Nakamura Utaemon III
Utagawa Toyokuni I
(Japanese, 1769–1825)
1812 (Bunka 9)
Medium/TechniqueHanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
DimensionsImage: 102.7 x 44.6 cm (40 7/16 x 17 9/16 in.)
Overall: 203 x 64.3 cm (79 15/16 x 25 5/16 in.)
Overall: 203 x 64.3 cm (79 15/16 x 25 5/16 in.)
Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession number11.7864
On View
Not on viewClassificationsPaintings
Collections
Despite the fact that Nakamura Utaemon III was said to have been short and ugly, he was one of the most celebrated Kabuki actors of his day. In 1808 he came from Osaka to Edo, and during his five years on stage there his popularity skyrocketed. When he decided to return to Osaka in 1812 the number of farewell gifts he received from his patrons and fellow actors was deemed exceptional. This painting was probably commissioned by one of Utaemon’s patrons, who was faced with the actor’s upcoming departure. The poem at top was inscribed by the actor himself.
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
Utagawa Toyokuni I
about 1795 (Kansei 7)
Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III)
about Tenpô 10 (1839)
Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III)
about 1839 (Tenpô 10)
Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III)
about 1839 (Tenpô 10)
