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Artist: |
Unsigned. Osaka school. |
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| Subject: |
A kabuki actor in the hayagawari ("quick change") dance or scene with ushiromen ("back mask"). This type of mask was used with a costume that allowed the actor to switch roles (and sometimes genders) almost instantly without leaving the stage. Such costume-mask combinations were often sewn together side-by-side or layered one upon the other so that a new character could be revealed with the rapid removal of one robe and the display of another, or by the actor simply turning 180 degrees, as is the case with this surimono. The female face-mask is that of Ofuku ('Good fortune"), a plump, smiling older female thought to be a good-luck charm symbolizing felicity and longevity. She is also called Okame ("moon face"). |
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| Signature: | Unsigned | ||
| Date: | ca. 1840 | ||
| Size: | Surimono koban, 19x13,5 cm. | ||
| Conditions: | Good impression and colour, one hole restored on the left margin otherwise good conditions. | ||
| Item no. | D 57 | ||
| Price: | Euro 300 | ||