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Utagawa Kuniyoshi

A Parody of the Sixteen Arhats (Mitate jūroku rakan), 1843-1847

Description

Maker

Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1797-1861, Japanese
Sumiyoshiya Masagōrō, Japanese, publisher
Possibly Yokogawa Takejirō, 19th century, block carver

Title

A Parody of the Sixteen Arhats (Mitate jūroku rakan)

Year

1843-1847

Medium

Polychrome woodblock print

Materials/Techniques

Dimensions

Vertical ōban triptych: 34.3 x 73.3 cm (13 1/2 x 28 7/8 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signed: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga
Censor's seal: Fuku, Muramatsu

Place

Japan; Tokyo

Type

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Gustav Radeke

Object Number

20.1311

Exhibition History

Edo Theater

January 18 - May 18, 2008

This is a parody (mitate) of famous actors, some of whom were contemporary with Kuniyoshi, while others lived in much earlier times. The actors are shown dressed as the Buddha's sixteen disciples (Sanskrit: arhats; Japanese: rakan) and other figures. Since the Tenpō Reforms of 1841-43 forbade the representation of actors, it is possible that Kuniyoshi depicted the perfomers in a religious context as a simple means of circumventing these government regulations.

Triptychs in Japanese Printmaking

June 6 - August 31, 2003

Arhats (Japanese rakan), or sages who have achieved complete understanding in the Buddhist tradition, are very much admired in East Asia and are frequently depicted in painting. It is possible that this is not a religious depiction at all, but instead presents the most famous actors of the time. In periods when censorship was strictly enforced, Japanese printmakers resorted to such subterfuges to evade the restrictions imposed on illustrating their favorite themes of actors and courtesans.