The Actor Otani Tokuji I as the Retainer Sodesuke
初代大谷徳次の奴袖助
Toshusai Sharaku · 1794 (Kansei 6) · Woodblock print (ukiyo-e)
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The Actor Otani Tokuji I as the Retainer Sodesuke is one of the okubi-e portraits Toshusai Sharaku issued in 1794 (Kansei 6) through Tsutaya Juzaburo, showing a servant in the kabuki play Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga. It is an Important Cultural Property held by the Tokyo National Museum.
- Artist
- Toshusai Sharaku
- Date
- 1794 (Kansei 6)
- Medium / format
- Woodblock print (ukiyo-e)
About this work
This is one of 28 mica-ground okubi-e portraits of actors published in the fifth month of 1794 (Kansei 6) with Tsutaya Juzaburo as publisher. Drawing on Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga, staged at the Miyako-za theater, it shows Otani Tokuji I as the servant Sodesuke.
His hand is on his sword, his mouth is pressed into a straight line, and he looks about to slip one shoulder out of his robe, a pose drawn with a comic touch. In the picture, a face with wide-open eyes and a hand gripping the sword hilt stand out large against the gray ground. The hilt is wrapped in red and gold cloth.
Mica printing uses mica powder to give the background a sheen. This is a large-format color woodblock print, 38.2 cm tall and 25.4 cm wide, designated an Important Cultural Property.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Tokyo National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Taito City, Tokyo Accession no. A-10569-475
Plan your visit to Tokyo National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Tokyo National Museum, which holds "The Actor Otani Tokuji I as the Retainer Sodesuke".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted The Actor Otani Tokuji I as the Retainer Sodesuke, and when?
- The Actor Otani Tokuji I as the Retainer Sodesuke is by Toshusai Sharaku, made in 1794 (Kansei 6). Medium: Woodblock print (ukiyo-e).
- Where can I see The Actor Otani Tokuji I as the Retainer Sodesuke?
- It is held by Tokyo National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Tokyo National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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