Artwork Page for Nakamura Nakazo I as Watanabe no Tsuna

Details / Information for Nakamura Nakazo I as Watanabe no Tsuna

Nakamura Nakazo I as Watanabe no Tsuna

初代中村仲蔵の渡辺綱

1781

Katsukawa Shunzan 勝川 春山

(Japanese, active c. 1782–98)
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Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
One of a triptych of color woodblock prints
Measurements
Sheet: 31 x 14.4 cm (12 3/16 x 5 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift from J. H. Wade 1921.314.c
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This print is part of a triptych (a composition of three prints) that shows actors portraying three of the four famed protectors of imperial regent Minamoto Yorimitsu (948?–1021). Collectively, they are known as his Shitennō (四天王), or “Four Heavenly Kings,” after the Buddhist deities who guard the four cardinal directions. The characters are indicated by the large house crests on their robes.
A woodblock print depicts Nakamura Nakazo I as Watanabe no Tsuna. The man has a light skin tone and a furrowed brow, squatting with an intense expression. He wears a bold red robe featuring a white three-circle and bar crest over patterned armor. Sword handles protrude from his sides. Japanese calligraphy sits on the upper right below wood panels. The composition highlights the dramatic pose and detailed patterns of his theatrical attire.

Nakamura Nakazo I as Watanabe no Tsuna

1781

Katsukawa Shunzan

(Japanese, active c. 1782–98)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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