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Actors Segawa Michinosuke and Sawamura Gennosuke

Toyokuni, 1801, Wood cut
Actors Segawa Michinosuke and Sawamura Gennosuke
Actors Segawa Michinosuke and Sawamura Gennosuke
Actors Segawa Michinosuke and Sawamura Gennosuke
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Library Item
Item no
332
Title
Actors Segawa Michinosuke and Sawamura Gennosuke
Description
This print depicts two named Kabuki actors, Segawa Michinosuke and Sawamura Gennosuke in the roles of the lovers, Courtesan Keisuke Matsuyama and Wankyu. The male character wears a black kimono that bears the 'kaemon' crest of Sawamura Sojuro. Segawa Michinosuke is playing the role of a courtesan; actors who specialised in performing female roles were known as 'onnagata'. All Kabuki actors were required by law to shave their forelocks, and it became a convention for onnagata to cover the shaved area of their head with a purple cloth. Both characters hold sake cups.
Artist / maker
Date
1801
Size
38 x 25.8 cm.
Type
Location
Art and Design Library
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