Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) (artist 11/15/1797 – 03/05/1861)
Sawamura Sōjūrō V (五代目沢村宗十郎) as Shiratsuka Jūemon (白柄十右衛門) - this is the left panel of a diptych in a scene from the play Onoe Kikugorō Ichidai Banashi (尾上梅寿一代噺)
07/1847
10 in x 14.25 in (Overall dimensions) color woodblock print
Signed: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga
一勇斎国芳画
Artist's seal: Yoshi kiri
Publisher: Enshūya Matabei (Marks 057 - seal 01-031)
Censor seals: Hama & Kinugasa
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston - the full diptych
Waseda University - same as this panel, but click on their image to see it with the right-hand panel
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum - the full diptych
Shizuoka Prefectural Library
Hankyu Culture Foundation
Waseda University - right panel of this diptych
Östasiatiska Museet, Stockholm - another closely related Kuniyoshi print
Hiroshige Museum of Art, Ena Excellent color.
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Although this is only the left hand panel of a diptych and represents the actor Sawamura Sōjūrō V, the actor in the other print is Onoe Kikugorō III. This is relevant since that production is called Onoe Kikugorō Ichidai Banashi. The Fitzwilliam Museum notes that: "He made the first of several retirements in 1837, but returned to the stage in 1839. Before his 1847 retirement he appeared in Onoe Kikugoro Ichidai Banashi, a play that showcased his talent for ghost roles. He then opened a rice-cake shop, but was back on stage in 1848, on tour to Nagoya and Osaka. He died on his way back to Edo."
actor prints (yakusha-e - 役者絵) (genre)
Sawamura Sōjūrō V (五代目沢村宗十郎: from 7/1844 to 10/1848) (actor)
Enshūya Matabei (遠州屋又兵衛) (publisher)
Onoe Kikugorō III (三代目尾上菊五郎: 11/1815-3/1848) (actor)
kari (wild geese - 雁) (genre)