七代目片岡仁左衛門の安達が原のこつがいにん黒塚ばゝア|The Actor Kataoka Nizaemon VII as the Old Beggar Woman Kurozuka Babā at Adachigahara

Art Historical Context

This striking woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei captures the renowned kabuki actor Kataoka Nizaemon VII in the dramatic role of Kurozuka Babā, the fearsome old beggar woman from the legend of Adachigahara. Created in 1795 during the Kansei era, the work forms the center sheet of a triptych in the vertical hosoban format, showcasing the actor’s expressive pose and elaborate costume with bold lines and vibrant colors typical of nishiki-e, or “brocade pictures.” Shun'ei, a leading artist of the Katsukawa school, specialized in yakusha-e (actor prints) that brought the excitement of Edo’s kabuki theater to a wider audience. These affordable prints allowed theatergoers to relive favorite performances and served as both souvenirs and works of art. The role depicted draws from a chilling Noh and kabuki tale of a demoness disguised as an elderly woman, highlighting the actor’s skill in onnagata (female impersonation), a hallmark of traditional Japanese stagecraft. As a product of Japan’s Edo period, this print reflects the vibrant urban culture where theater, fashion, and popular imagery intertwined. Its preservation in the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers today’s visitors a vivid glimpse into the artistry and storytelling traditions that captivated audiences over two centuries ago.

About the Artist

Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英 (Japanese) · 1762 –1819

Japanese, 1762–1819