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Portrait of Nakamura Utaemon III
Sandaime Nakamura Utaemon zu
三代目中村歌右衛門
Nakamura Utaemon III
Portrait of Nakamura Utaemon III
Sandaime Nakamura Utaemon zu
三代目中村歌右衛門
Utagawa Toyokuni I (Japanese, 1769–1825)
Japanese
Edo period
1812 (Bunka 9)
Medium/Technique
Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold on silk
Dimensions
Image: 102.7 x 44.6 cm (40 7/16 x 17 9/16 in.)
Overall: 203 x 64.3 cm (79 15/16 x 25 5/16 in.)
Overall: 203 x 64.3 cm (79 15/16 x 25 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.7864
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsPaintings
Despite the fact that Nakamura Utaemon III was said to have been short and ugly, he was one of the most celebrated Kabuki actors of his day. In 1808 he came from Osaka to Edo, and during his five years on stage there his popularity skyrocketed. When he decided to return to Osaka in 1812 the number of farewell gifts he received from his patrons and fellow actors was deemed exceptional.
This painting was probably commissioned by one of Utaemon’s patrons, who was faced with the actor’s upcoming departure. The poem at top was inscribed by the actor himself.
This painting was probably commissioned by one of Utaemon’s patrons, who was faced with the actor’s upcoming departure. The poem at top was inscribed by the actor himself.
Catalogue Raisonné
Drama and Desire (2007), cat. no. 55; Kajima Foundation MFA cat. 2 (2003), ch. III (Ukiyo-e), no. 340
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.