Artwork Details
Artist
Unknown
Creation Date
Materials
Object Types
Dimensions
52-1/2 x 23-1/2 in. (each panel)
Period
Accession Number
Credit Line
Gift of Anne Marmon Greenleaf
Copyright
Collection
Gallery Labels
The architecture and the customs depicted suggest that this lively scene of an early kabuki performance was painted about 1624-29. In 1603 a woman named Okuni brought her troupe of female entertainers to the dry riverbed of Kyoto's Kamo River, where they sang, danced, and performed short dramatic sketches. These events came to be called "Okuni Kabuki," and their great popularity led to the establishment of theaters. In 1629 female kabuki performances were banned by the government as being detrimental to public morals.
The dancers on the main stage are dressed for a courtly dance, while a second group, on the bridge, performs a more active number. The figure seated on the rail near the corner pillar is the master of ceremonies. Several men in the audience use bamboo poles with paper envelopes attached to offer presents to their favorite performers.
Genre paintings depicting the rituals, occupations, and amusements of Japanese society flourished from the later1500s through the first half of the 1600s. Regardless of their specific theme, genre paintings like this illustrate a cross section of society; and in the variety and vivacity of the people and activities, they reflect a celebration of life.
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