Sanjo Kantaro II in the Role of Urashima Taro

early 1700s

Kaigetsudō Ando 懐月堂安度

(Japanese, c. 1671–1743)

Culture

Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

Medium

hanging scroll; ink and color on paper

Measurements

Painting only: 105.7 x 59.4 cm (41 5/8 x 23 3/8 in.); Including mounting: 189.2 x 64.7 cm (74 1/2 x 25 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Dudley P. Allen Fund and various donors, by exchange 1961.41

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The hexagonal design on the actor's robe represents the patterning of a tortoise’s carapace.

Description

Sanjo Kantaro II was a Kabuki actor who specialized in playing youths (wakashu) and female roles (onnagata). He is shown here in the role of Urashima Taro. He rescues a tortoise, and as a reward, the tortoise carries him to the undersea palace of the Dragon King. He believes he has spent but three days there with the Dragon King's daughter; however, when he returns to the shore, he finds 300 years have passed. The actor holds a fishing pole, indicating his occupation as a fisherman. The upper portion of the painting contains a 31-syllable waka poem.