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Danjurō VII as Soga Goro Tokimune in Kusazuri-biki

Artist Utagawa Kunisada I (Japanese, 1786–1864 (or 1865?))
Title Danjurō VII as Soga Goro Tokimune in Kusazuri-biki
Date Ca. 1810–1832
Medium Color woodblock print with metalic inks on paper
Dimensions Overall: 8 1/4 x 7 1/2 in. (21 x 19.1 cm)
Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 68.101.13

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About this Work

In this exquisitely decorated surimono, Ichikawa Danjūrō VII is shown as Soga Gorō Tokimune performing the dance “Kusazuri-biki.” In this scene, Tokimune’s armor has been untied by his arch enemy, Kobayashi no Asahina. To keep his armor out of Kobayashi’s reach, Tokimune swings it above his head. This print was originally the right side of a diptych or triptych. The butterfly emblazoned on the actor’s kimono and alluded to in the poem securely identifies the actor as Tokimune.

Poem:

Tokimune is
The buzzing arrow of the family
His armor, a butterfly
His face, the seventh generation
It is a glorious Spring
—Yanagi no Itomaru


Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Danjurō VII as Soga Goro Tokimune in Kusazuri-biki | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=68.101.13