The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX (Penname Danshu) Meditating in front of a Painting of Fudo Myoo

This triptych is based on a collaboratively designed surimono, or privately published print, by Satake Eiko and the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX from 1889. The original single-sheet work did not include a portrait of the actor and was published to commemorate Danjuro IX’s appearance in a performance of Saint Mongaku and the Subscription List at the Nakamuraza Theater during the same year. Identical to the surimono, Kunichika’s design includes a still-life with a scholar’s brush pot, folding screen with waterfall, flower vase with peony, and a painting of the Buddhist deity Fudo Myoo, the patron deity of the Danjuro actor lineage. The signature on the painting includes the name Danshu, signifying it was done by the actor himself. This triptych is based on a print collaboratively designed by Japanese printmaker Satake Eiko and the stage actor Ichikawa Danjūrō IX in 1889 to commemorate Danjūrō IX’s role as the monk Mongaku (1139–1203) in the play Mongaku Kanshincho (Mongaku Asking for a Donation). The original work did not include the portrait of the actor. It only featured the still life with a scholar’s brush pot, folding screen, flower vase, and a painting of the Buddhist deity Fudō Myō-ō. Myō-ō was the patron deity of the Danjūrō actor lineage and the deity who protected Mongaku. By adding the portrait of the actor contemplating the painting, Kunichika transformed the original still life into an interaction between actor and artwork. The signature on the painting includes the name “Danshu,” the actor’s pen name, further suggesting his participation in an artistic conversation. - Chi-Lynn Lin, "Echoing Overseas" label text, Fall 2022