Title : Hanagawado Sukeroku

Artist : Toyohara Kunichika

Date : 1897

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : Though the Edo period ended with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, artists such as Kunichika continued to produce brilliantly colorful woodblock prints. The popularity of this artist's work is proof that Japan's rich Kabuki and ukiyo-e traditions were not lost amidst the nation's push for modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This print is a depiction of Danjürö IX as Sukeroku, one of his family's signature roles. Using wonderfully bold colors, the artist references an amusing scene from the play by showing Sukeroku carrying a large number of pipes. Before Sukeroku and Ikyü first meet, the courtesans of the pleasure quarters crowd around the hero to offer him their pipes, signaling their affection for him. Once Ikyü arrives, he is displeased that there is no one left to offer him a pipe as well. Sukeroku mockingly offers one of the pipes he has collected to Ikyü using his foot in an attempt to provoke a confrontation. This print also depicts Sukeroku's' famous purple headband. The poem at the top of the print emphasizes this fact, and simultaneously celebrates Danjürö IX's tremendous influence on the portrayal of Sukeroku. Though the role is known as one for younger actors, the poem suggests that, like the distinctive purple headband, there is no equal to Danjürö IX's performance and ability. Kunichika's signature can be seen along the middle of the left-hand side of the print, and the series title is embellished with flowers in the upper-right hand corner.

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