Bando Shuka as Hashimotoya Shiraito, 1852. Creator: Utagawa Kuniyoshi

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Bando Shuka as Hashimotoya Shiraito, 1852. Creator: Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Bando Shuka as Hashimotoya Shiraito, 1852. Kabuki actor in the role of courtesan of the Hashimotoya Restaurant, holding up a gold coin (s)he has just taken from a paper wrapper

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Media ID 36369887

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Bando Mitsugoro Bando Mitsugoro V Bando Shuka Bando Shuka I Bando Tamanosuke Bando Tamasaburo Bando Tamasaburo I Coin Coinage Courtesan Cross Dressing Currency Drag Female Impersonator Gold Coin Ichiyusai Japanese Era Kabuki Actor Kuniyoshi Kuniyoshi Utagawa Onnagata Origami Oyama Shuka Bando Utagawa Kuniyoshi

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EDITORS COMMENTS
Bando Shuka as Hashimotoya Shiraito," a captivating woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, showcases the Kabuki actor Bando Shuka in the role of the courtesan Shiraito from the Hashimotoya Restaurant. The image, created in 1852 during the Tokugawa period, depicts Shuka holding up a gold coin she has just taken from a paper wrapper. The intricate details of the print reveal the actor's meticulously crafted hairstyle, adorned with an origami-like accessory, and his elaborate makeup and elaborate kimono. The cross-dressing tradition of onnagata, in which male actors portrayed female roles in Kabuki theatre, was a significant aspect of Japanese entertainment during the Edo period. In this print, Bando Shuka masterfully embodies the feminine character of Shiraito, captivating audiences with his skillful performance. The use of color in the print adds depth and vibrancy, bringing the scene to life. The gold coin, a symbol of wealth and prosperity, emphasizes the courtesan's allure and the financial aspects of her profession. The intricate folds of the paper wrapper and the detailed texture of the coin further highlight Kuniyoshi's exceptional skill as a woodblock printmaker. This print, now housed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Japan during the nineteenth century. It provides a glimpse into the world of Kabuki theatre, offering insights into the various aspects of Japanese society during the time, including entertainment, finance, and gender roles.

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