Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku Performance

Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku Performance

Katsukawa Shunkō

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Ichikawa family was renowned for playing heroic "Shibaraku!" roles. Shown here in such a performance, Monnosuke II (1743–1794) wears a persimmon red robe with a huge family crest of three nested squares (mimasu) on each of his large sleeves. His face shows red lines on white makeup, and he wears an elaborate wig. Shunkō portrayed the famous Ichikawa family actor striking a pose (mie) at a climactic moment to make a powerful impression on the audience.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku PerformanceIchikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku PerformanceIchikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku PerformanceIchikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku PerformanceIchikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku Performance

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.