Kabuki Theatre Photography Archive — Taishō & Early Shōwa Japan
This collection brings together 38 original Japanese kabuki theatre photographs from the Taishō and early Shōwa periods. Capturing actors in costume and character, these images offer a glimpse into the theatrical world of early twentieth-century Japan.
Many photographs retain handwritten inscriptions on the reverse, identifying performers, roles, plays, theatres and performance dates. Presented alongside the portraits, these inscriptions provide a valuable historical record of Japanese kabuki theatre.
Many photographs retain handwritten inscriptions on the reverse, identifying performers, roles, plays, theatres and performance dates. Presented alongside the portraits, these inscriptions provide a valuable historical record of Japanese kabuki theatre.
Ichikawa Sumizō as Kataoka Naojirō — 1921
A theatrical portrait from Tenpō Rokkassen, depicting Kataoka Naojirō in traditional stage makeup, a striped kimono and carrying a sword. The handwritten inscription on the reverse identifies Ichikawa Sumizō as the performer and records the scene at Moritaya on Ishichō Shinmichi, presented at the Meijiza Theatre in Tokyo in September 1921.
Ichikawa Sadanji II as Shinzei — 1926
A theatrical portrait of Ichikawa Sadanji II as the Buddhist monk Shinzei in Shinzei, a one-act play by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, performed at Tokyo's Kabuki-za Theatre in February 1926. The actor appears in monastic robes with prayer beads, leaning forward against a dark stage curtain. The handwritten reverse identifies the playwright, production personnel, performer and role, and records the February programme at Kabuki-za.
Ichikawa Sadanji II and Ichikawa Shōchō II in Ura no Tomaya — 1924
A scene from Ura no Tomaya (浦の苫屋), a one-act play by Kan Kikuchi, performed at Tokyo's Hongōza Theatre in March 1924. Ichikawa Sadanji II appears alongside Ichikawa Shōchō II, who plays Omachi. The actors are shown beside a modest waterside dwelling, with wooden structures and household objects forming the stage setting. The handwritten inscription on the reverse identifies the play, performers, theatre and performance date.