This 1865 double-portrait depicts Ōtani Tomoemon V in the role of the warrior Sadato and Bandō Matsujirō as his daughter Okimi—a parent-child pairing across male and female roles that was common in kabuki casting. The performance likely refers to the story of Abe no Sadato, the northern warlord who defied the Minamoto clan until his defeat at the Battle of Kōwagoe in 1062. Yoshitoshi captures the actors in characteristic mid-performance poses, the contrast between Sadato's fierce warrior bearing and Okimi's gentle femininity providing the compositional drama.
1888
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Color woodblock print
Actors Ōtani Tomoemon V as Sadato and Bandō Matsujirō as his daughter Okimi was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in 1865, 8th lunar month.
Actors Ōtani Tomoemon V as Sadato and Bandō Matsujirō as his daughter Okimi depicts figures, kabuki, and portraits.
Actors Ōtani Tomoemon V as Sadato and Bandō Matsujirō as his daughter Okimi measures 37.2 × 24.6 cm (Oban format).
