Segawa Kikunojō III as Teruha
Medium
color woodblock print
Dimensions
32.4 × 14.6 cm
Classification
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Sundry Purchase Fund
Accession Number
1920.157
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
gender unknown
About this artwork
Men perform all the roles in Kabuki, a form of Japanese theater. Some actors specialize in onnagata (女形), or female roles. Segawa Kikunojō III was one of the most famous onnagata actors of his day. Here, he plays a character called Teruha in what was once the center print of a triptych (a composition of three prints). Teruha is officiating a wrestling match that also involves red and white roosters.