Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome Torii Kiyonobu I (Japanese, 1664-1729). Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome, circa 1702. Woodblock print, Sheet: 28 x 22 in. ( x cm). A sign painter by training, Torii Kiyonobu I was one of the first artists to design actor prints. Such early prints consisted of a single woodblock impression in black. The subject of this print, the actor Nakamura Gentarō, was an onnagata, or specialist in playing female roles. Although Kabuki began with all-female casts, in 1629 the Japanese government prohibited women from partici
Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome Torii Kiyonobu I (Japanese, 1664-1729). Actor Nakamura Gentaro as Takiguchi's Wife Shinonome, circa 1702. Woodblock print, Sheet: 28 x 22 in. ( x cm). A sign painter by training, Torii Kiyonobu I was one of the first artists to design actor prints. Such early prints consisted of a single woodblock impression in black. The subject of this print, the actor Nakamura Gentarō, was an onnagata, or specialist in playing female roles. Although Kabuki began with all-female casts, in 1629 the Japanese government prohibited women from participating because their presence onstage was considered too erotic. However, substituting men for women did little to quell audience infatuations. As a result, onnagatas became popular with both potential suitors and followers of fashion. Asian Art circa 1702
Size: 1762px × 2837px
Photo credit: © BBM / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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