Actor Nakamura Utaemon VI as the Courtesan Chitose-dayū
- Date:
- March 1989
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Dimensions:
- 37.9 × 25.1 cm
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
This March 1989 print depicts Nakamura Utaemon VI costumed as Chitose-dayu, a high-ranking courtesan (tayu) whose elaborate visual presentation makes her one of kabuki's most spectacular female roles. The tayu occupied the pinnacle of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter hierarchy, and her stage appearance involves towering hairpins, multiple layers of brocade kimono, and wooden platform shoes (geta) that transform movement into a slow, swaying processional. Utaemon VI, the twentieth century's preeminent onnagata before Tamasaburo, inhabited such roles with aristocratic poise. Kokei's ink and color woodblock isolates the sumptuous costume and composed face against an uncluttered background.
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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 Utaemon VI as the Courtesan Chitose-dayū was created by Tsuruya Kokei (弦屋光溪) in March 1989.
Actor Nakamura Utaemon VI as the Courtesan Chitose-dayū depicts kabuki and bijin-ga.
Actor Nakamura Utaemon VI as the Courtesan Chitose-dayū measures 37.9 × 25.1 cm.