Shunkosai Hokushu (active ca. 1802-1832), (from L-R): A Competition Among Modern Fans: Actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Danshichi Kurobei (Uchiwa tosei kurabe: Danshichi Kurobei, Nakamura Utaemon); A Competition Among Modern Fans: Actor Ichikawa Ebijuro I as Issun Tokubei (Uchiwa tosei kurabe: Issun Tokubei, Ichikawa Ebijuro); Hits of a Lifetime: Actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Kumagai Jiro Naozane (Issei ichidai atari kyogen: Kumagai Jiro Naozane, Nakamura Utaemon); A Competition Among Modern Fans: Right, Actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Abe no Yasuna (Uchiwa tosei kurabe: Migi ichi, Abe no Yasuna, Nakamura Utaemon)

Drama Queens & Kabuki Kings: Stars of Edo and Osaka
Closing Friday, October 31, 2025
145 West 58th Street, Suite 6D (by appointment)

Don’t miss your chance to see Drama Queens & Kabuki Kings: Stars of Edo and Osaka before it closes on October 31 at Scholten Japanese Art! This captivating exhibition features approximately fifty 19th-century woodblock prints and drawings that celebrate the stars and superstars of the kabuki world. These dynamic portraits—originally created as advertisements or visually rich mementos for theatergoers—capture the charisma and artistry of Japan’s legendary performers.

A special highlight is this group of fan-shaped bust portraits which were produced in the early to mid-1820s, some utilizing embellishments including embossing, metallic printing and mica. Three of the prints illustrate the Osaka-based actor Nakamura Utaemon III (popularly known as Shikan, 1778-1838) at what was thought to be the pinnacle of his career just before his anticipated retirement in 1825. In a change of plans many of us can relate to, Utaemon actually never officially retired, and he continued to perform for the remainder of his life. The fourth fan-shaped portrait (second from the left above) is of Ichikawa Ebijuro I (1777-1837), a friend and close ally of Utaemon who worked for a time as a disciple of the Edo-based kabuki super (duper) star, Ichikawa Danjuro VII (1791-1859). These commemorative fan portraits celebrating their accomplishments exemplify the synergy inspired by Osaka kabuki fan-atics who very often were the artists and publishers themselves.

These kabuki luminaries inspired devoted fan clubs whose members passionately championed their favorite actors—often fanning the flames of the friendly rivalries that animated the kabuki stage.

Schedule your visit today and experience these fascinating works before they’re gone!

To learn more, click here.