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Onoe Matsusuke as Usui Sadamitsu
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Onoe Matsusuke as Usui Sadamitsu

Katsukawa Shunzan (Japanese, active c. 1782–98), artist · 1781 · One of a triptych of color woodblock prints

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

This print is part of a triptych (a composition of three prints) that shows actors portraying three of the four famed protectors of imperial regent Minamoto Yorimitsu (948?–1021). Collectively, they are known as his Shitennō (四天王), or “Four Heavenly Kings,” after the Buddhist deities who guard the four cardinal directions. The characters are indicated by the large house crests on their robes. The actor Onoe Matsusuke I’s identity is revealed by a fan with the ideograph matsu (松), or “pine,” tucked into his robe, just against his breastplate.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineOnoe Matsusuke as Usui Sadamitsu (初代尾上松助の碓井貞光), 1781. Katsukawa Shunzan (Japanese, active c. 1782–98). One of a triptych of color woodblock prints; sheet: 31 x 14.5 cm (12 3/16 x 5 11/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift from J. H. Wade, 1921.314.b
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