In the context of this artwork, explore the Subject of the Print details.
The print depicts actor Kataoka Ichizō I as Tetsugadake Dazaemon in the play Sekitori Senryō Nobori [関取千両幟].
Kataoka Ichizō I [片岡市蔵] (1792-1862) was a celebrated Edo period kabuki actor based in Osaka. He was known for his portrayal of villains in katakiyaku [敵役] and jitsuaku [実悪] roles. He was the progenitor of the Kataoka Ichizō line, which continues to this day in its sixth generation. Ichizō I held the name from 1810 to 1858 and from 1859 to his death in 1862.Sekitori Senryō Nobori [関取千両幟] by Chikamatsu Hanji was originally written for the bunraku [文楽] puppet theatre, but adapted soon after for kabuki. It was first performed in Osaka in 1775. Translated as The Rise of the 1000 Ryō Wrestler or The Sumo Wrestler's Banner, it tells the story of a young sumo wrestler's moral dilemma revolving around debt and duty. Tetsugadake Dazaemon is the rival who is ultimately defeated by the hero in the ring.
Edo kabuki Sumo bunraku Ryō Kataoka Ichizō I Kataoka Ichizō sumo Osaka