One of fourteen prints by the artist that appeared in the magazine Shin Nigao whose purpose was to advertise the Kabuki theater and renew interest in actor prints. This print which appeared in the first issue of the magazine published in June 1915 depicts the actor Nakamura Kichiemon I playing the warrior Katō Kiyomasa.

For other prints in this collection picturing the actor Nakamura Kichiemon I see Nakamura Kichiemon in the role of Takechi Mitsuhide in the play Toki-ha Ima Kikyô no Hataage and The Actor Nakamura Kichiemon.

Nakamura Kichiemon I was particularly interested in the warrior Katō Kiyomasa and many new dramas were written especially for him in this role. He gathered them and others dramas in a special collection of ten plays called shūzan jisshu, which includes "Nijōjō no Kiyomasa", "Urusanjō no Kiyomasa", "Kumamotojō no Kiyomasa", "Matsuura no Taiko", "Yasaku no Kamabara" and "Kiyomasa Seichūroku".

For more information on this short-lived magazine whose purpose was to advertise the Kabuki theater and renew interest in actor prints, see the article Shin Nigao Magazine.

The Actor in this Print

Source: The Japan Times Online, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2003 “Son pays tribute to a kabuki master” by Rei Sasaguchi http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ft20030917a1.html and as footnoted.

Kichiemon in undated postcard

Kichiemon I (1886-1954) was a unique figure in 20th-century kabuki theater. The son of a mediocre kabuki actor from Osaka who was married to the daughter of a restaurant owner who catered food to the Ichi-muraza Theater in Tokyo, Kichiemon I's great talent and unstinting efforts made him one of the most influential kabuki actors of the time. An ardent admirer of Ichikawa Danjuro IX, the master of the gallant aragoto style of kabuki acting native to Edo, Kichiemon developed his acting skill in jidaimono (historical plays), competing with Onoe Kikugoro VI, who was unrivaled in sewamono (realistic plays).

For additional information on Nakamura Kichiemon see the article The Kabuki Actor on this site and scroll to the artist's name.