Actor Onoe Tamizō II as Fox Tadanobu

Artist Shunshōsai Hokuju (Japanese, active 1832–1835)

Date1832

MediumWoodblock print; ink, color, and metallic colorant on paper

DimensionsSheet: 14 1/2 × 9 3/4 inches (36.83 × 24.77 cm)

Credit LinePurchase: the Asian Art Acquisition Fund in memory of Laurence Sickman

Object number2026.22.1

On View

Not on view

Terms

DescriptionThe print depicts the actor Ono’e Tamizō II 尾上多見藏 (1800–1886) in the role of Kitsune Tadanobu (Fox Tadanobu; also known as Satō Tadanobu), pausing as he observes fluttering butterflies. Fox Tadanobu is a protective fox spirit who assumes the form of a samurai in the Kabuki play Yoshitsune senbon zakura義経千本桜(Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees). In the drama, the Tadanobu follows the drum Hatsune, made from the skins of his parents and carried by Shizuka-gozen, the mistress of the famed warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The actor wears a dark blue robe with wheel motifs rendered in metallic pigment, worn over a red under-robe and light gray trousers. Striking a theatrical pose, he grasps a hat in his right hand.
The accompanying poem reads: Yononaka ni / narihirakitaru / kotsuzumi no / oto mo chichitata / tamizō no nushi 世の中になりひらきたる小鼓の音もちちたた多見蔵のぬし (Throughout this world / the fame has spread wide / of the small hand drum, / whose sound rings “chi-chi-ta-ta,” / the master of [the actor Onoe] Tamizō).
Provenance

Provenance

With estate of private American collection, until 2024;

Auction of private American collection through Bonhams New York, 2024;

Purchased from Bonhams New York by Scholten Japanese Art, New York, 2024-2026;

Purchased by the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; 2026

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