Actor Nakamura Senjaku II as the Courtesan Osome
- Date:
- November 1987
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Dimensions:
- 39.2 × 24 cm
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
Nakamura Senjaku II is shown as the courtesan Osome in this November 1987 woodblock print on paper. Osome is the tragic heroine of several kabuki love-suicide plays (shinju-mono), a young woman of the pleasure quarters whose genuine romantic attachment leads to catastrophe. Senjaku II, a distinguished onnagata of the Kansai kabuki tradition, brought an understated melancholy to such roles that distinguished his portrayals from the more flamboyant Tokyo style. Kokei renders the courtesan's elaborate hairstyle, layered kimono, and downcast expression with a precision that honors both the character's visual splendor and the emotional weight Senjaku II brought to the performance.
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Ichikawa Danshiro IV as Akushichibyoe Kagekiyo
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Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Actor Nakamura Senjaku II as the Courtesan Osome was created by Tsuruya Kokei (弦屋光溪) in November 1987.
Actor Nakamura Senjaku II as the Courtesan Osome depicts kabuki and bijin-ga.
Actor Nakamura Senjaku II as the Courtesan Osome measures 39.2 × 24 cm.