The hugely popular kabuki play ‘Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy’ is based on the life of a ninth-century courtier and calligrapher who was falsely accused of treason and banished from the court.
The character depicted here, Matsuōmaru, is one of a set of triplets, employed as a retainer to the villain of the play. Matsu means ‘pine’, and the pattern on Matsuōmaru’s kimono identifies him. See an earlier print in this exhibition depicting his brother Umeōmaru, by Kunisada [EA1983.44].
kimono
Kimonos, or 'the thing worn' in Japanese, had seasonal designs. The style of kimonos would change four times a year, and winter kimonos would be padded.
Objects are sometimes moved to a different location. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis. Contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular object on display, or would like to arrange an appointment to see an object in our reserve collections.
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