The Actor Tatsuoka Hisagiku in the Role of Kurenai

Kiyonobu II

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Osaka Kabuki actor Tatsuoka Hisagaku appeared in the role of the young woman Kurenai, carrying a New Year's decoration of pine, crane and tortoise in the play "Miyakozome Kaoru Hachinoki" which was produced in Tokyo at the Nakamuraza theather in 1739. Often the colors of a hand-painted print were enriched by a glossy, lacquer-like black (urushi) made by mixing black ink and glue. In addition, brass filings are sprinkled on the robe to highlight the design and to give the print a richer, more painterly effect. The artist's and publisher's names are prominently displayed in a cartouche across the bottom of the print.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art