Utagawa Kunisada/Toyokuni III (1786-1865) Bando Kamezo I as Kakogawa Honzo, 1854. Oban.
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This pleasing portrait of the actor Bando Kamezo I commemorates a performance of the famous kabuki drama, the Chushingura in 1854 at the Nakamuraza Theatre. This is perhaps the most famous drama of kabuki theatre and the real historical characters are still revered today at their shrine and in films, books, plays and cartoons. The true story tells the suicide of Enya Hangan who in 1701 was forced to draw his sword in the Shogun’s palace by the goading of the courtier Moronao. Hangan is obliged to commit suicide for the offence and his retainers become Ronin, leaderless samurai. They vow revenge and the play revolves around their plotting and preparation, culminating in the storming of Moronao’s house and his eventual assassination.
The character Kakogawa Honzo was to star in his own play, but not until 1872; in the meantime the character plays a minor role as the person who hands the plans of Moronao’s house to the conspirators. He is a complex man, a schemer and not naturally drawn to noble decisions, as Kunisada shows in this perceptive portrait. Interestingly, another portrait of Honzo appears in Kunisada’s great series of Actor Portraits Past and Present from 1860. In that case, the same characteristics are lent to the portrayal of Ichikawa Danzo VI, a contemporary of Kamezo.
The print is unbacked and in very good condition. Colour and impression fine. Album binding holes to the right edge. A very strong portrait.
24.5cm x 36cm.
