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Nakamura Nakazo I as Watanabe no Tsuna
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Nakamura Nakazo I as Watanabe no Tsuna

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.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineNakamura Nakazo I as Watanabe no Tsuna (初代中村仲蔵の渡辺綱), 1781. Katsukawa Shunzan (Japanese, active c. 1782–98). One of a triptych of color woodblock prints; sheet: 31 x 14.4 cm (12 3/16 x 5 11/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift from J. H. Wade, 1921.314.c
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