Artist: Utagawa Kunisada
Title: Black Bear
Date: 1861
Details: More information...
Source:
Honolulu Museum of Art
Browse all 5,435 prints...
Description:
This series “Five Fabulous Actors” depicts dandy Kabuki actors of the time. Each has a different animal-related name such as Bear, Turtle, Dragon, Tiger, and Eagle, which are represented in the designs on their kimono. By the late Edo period of the mid-19th century, Edo dandyism had spread to commoners. Men of Edo city were supposed to be a little mischievous and aggressive, but with big hearts. The vivid and rough style of the kimono design captures the essence of these handsome fellows. (from "VOGUE in Japan: Edo Fashion through Japanese prints" exhibition 07/30/08-)