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Actors Onoe Kikugorō III as Yorimasa (R) and Iwai Kumesaburō II as the Nue Monster (L) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Japanese Woodblock print (surimono), ink and color on paper, first half 1830s

Actors Onoe Kikugorō III as Yorimasa (R) and Iwai Kumesaburō II as the Nue Monster (L)

by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Ukiyo-e
Kabuki
Date:
first half 1830s
Medium:
Woodblock print (surimono), ink and color on paper
Format:
Oban
Dimensions:
20 × 34.9 cm

Description

This surimono captures two kabuki actors in roles drawn from the legend of Minamoto no Yorimasa, the Heian warrior who slew the nue monster — with Onoe Kikugoro III playing Yorimasa and Iwai Kumasaburo II taking the role of the creature itself. The nue, in legend a chimeric beast with a monkey's head and serpent's tail, provided kabuki with grotesque costume possibilities, and the surimono format allowed Kuniyoshi to render the confrontation with metallic pigments that heightened the supernatural atmosphere. The dual portrait structure is unusual and dramatically effective.

More Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Woman as the Hero Taisō in Palanquin Holding a Pipe by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

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Frequently Asked Questions

Actors Onoe Kikugorō III as Yorimasa (R) and Iwai Kumesaburō II as the Nue Monster (L) was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) in first half 1830s.

Actors Onoe Kikugorō III as Yorimasa (R) and Iwai Kumesaburō II as the Nue Monster (L) depicts kabuki.

Actors Onoe Kikugorō III as Yorimasa (R) and Iwai Kumesaburō II as the Nue Monster (L) measures 20 × 34.9 cm (Oban format).