Memorial portrait (Shini-e) of Nakamura Utaemon IV
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Art of Japan
Description
This shini-e (death memorial portrait) of the renowned kabuki actor Nakamura Utaemon IV, known as "Shikan," was produced in the traditional format for mourning prints — a commemorative likeness issued quickly after a star's death to meet public demand. Utaemon IV was one of the greatest onnagata and tachiyaku performers of his era, and his death prompted an outpouring of memorial prints from multiple artists. Kuniyoshi's portrait captures the actor in a characteristic role, employing the formal conventions of shini-e while maintaining the vivid presence the actor was known for.
More Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Woman as the Hero Taisō in Palanquin Holding a Pipe
c. 1830
Woodblock print (surimono), ink and color on paper
Yan Qing (Roshi Ensei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
Poem by Abe no Nakamaro, from an untitled series of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets
Hu Sanniang (Ko Sanjo Ichijosei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
More Kabuki Prints
Kabuki Theater
歌舞伎
Woodblock print
Onoe Shoroku II as the tattooed villain Danshichi
1955
Woodblock print
View of Kabuki Theater from Matsuya (Ginza Matsuya yori Kabukiza), no. 3 from the series "Pictures of Ginza, First Series (Gashu Ginza dai isshu)"
1928
Color lithograph
Distant View of Mitsukoshi Movie Theater in Shinjuku from the Sixth Floor of Hoteiya (Hoteiya rokkai kara Shinjuku Mitsukoshi Musashi no kan enbo zu), no. 1 from the series "Scenery of Shinjuku (Gashu Shinjuku fukei)"
1930
Color lithograph
Frequently Asked Questions
Memorial portrait (Shini-e) of Nakamura Utaemon IV was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳).
Memorial portrait (Shini-e) of Nakamura Utaemon IV depicts kabuki and portraits.