Japanese Prints: The Actor in Edo, Japan

 

February 21 – May 13, 2008

 

 

Utagawa Toyokuni I   Japan, 1769-1825

Nakamura Noshio as Hanako in Musume Dōjoji, 1796   Color woodblock print

Image: 15 3/8 x 10 5/16 in. (39.1 x 26.2 cm); Paper: 15 5/8 x 10 5/16 in. (39.7 x 26.2 cm)   LACMA, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan V. Hammer     Photo © 2008 Museum Associates/LACMA

 

Kabuki theater, a brash and demonstrative style of performance for the people, was most established in the great cities of Edo (now Tokyo) and Osaka. 

 

In Edo, the political capital of Japan with a population of about one-million in 1700, a large fan base supported kabuki actors, and many of these fans became collectors of prints showing their favorite actors in their roles of the moment. 

 

A survey of prints of actors from the 18th and 19th centuries reveals the evolution of print design in Japan, with developing techniques of print-making and approaches to portraiture.

 

Pavilion for Japanese Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Museum hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 12 noon – 8 pm

Friday 12 noon – 9 pm   Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 8 pm  

Closed Wednesdays                        

For further information about Japanese art exhibitions at LACMA, please call (323) 857-6565