「仙素道人」五代目市川海老蔵 「児雷也」初代実川延三郎|Ichikawa Ebizō V as Senso Dōjin (right); Jitsukawa Ensaburō as Jiraiya (left)

Art Historical Context

This captivating pair of woodblock prints Hasegawa Sadanobu created in 1854 during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), showcases kabuki theater stars Ichikawa Ebizō V as the mystical Senso Dōjin on the right and Jits Ensaburō I as the legendary ninja Jiraiya on the left. as vertical *chūban* formats—compact at about 9¾ × 7⅛ inches each—these ink and color prints on paper exemplify *yakusha-e*, the ukiyo-e genre dedicated to immortalizing actors in dramatic poses. Sadanobu, a skilled printmaker of the late Edo era, masterfully captured the performers' expressive faces, flowing robes, and dynamic stances, using vibrant hues and precise woodblock carving to evoke the energy of the kabuki stage. Jiraiya, a folk hero known from tales of toad-summoning sorcery and rivalries with snake wizardries, was a staple of kabuki repertoires, blending folklore with theatrical spectacle. These prints likely promoted a specific production, serving as affordable souvenirs for theatergoers in bustling Edo (modern Tokyo). Their cultural significance lies in preserving the glamour of kabuki—Japan's vibrant all-male theater form—amid a thriving print culture that democratized art for the masses. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department, this acquisition honors curator James C. Y. Watt and highlights how ukiyo-e bridged entertainment, artistry, and everyday life in 19th-century Japan. Visitors will appreciate the intricate details, from embroidered costumes to intense gazes, offering a window into Edo's performative world.

About the Artist

Hasegawa Sadanobu 長谷川貞信 (Japanese) · 1809 –1879

Japanese, 1809–1879