Farmer Kyusaku - Plate No 114

Farmer Kyusaku, cataloged as Plate No. 114, depicts a rural character from the kabuki repertoire. Kyusaku is a farmer role (hyakusho-yaku), the type of common-born figure who appears in domestic plays as a voice of earthy wisdom or as a victim of samurai cruelty. Such characters wear rough indigo-dyed cotton, straw sandals, and practical headgear that contrasts sharply with the silk brocades of the courtly roles. Kokei renders this working-class figure with the same seriousness he brings to princes and courtesans, finding dignity and dramatic presence in the farmer's weathered face and plain costume.