Nakamura Utaemon Playing the Nine-tailed Fox
Woodblock Print
1825 (made)
1825 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This print pictures the Kabuki performer Nakamura Utaemon playing Kiubi-no-Kitsunne (the Nine-tailed Fox). The Nine-tailed Fox is a mythical creature depicted in the Shan Han Jing, a Chinese classic text dates back to the 4th century BC. Stories of the Nine-tailed Fox then appear in various Chinese, Japanese and Korean legends. In the Japanese version, the Nine-Tailed Fox is said to have possessed Tamamo no Mae, a most beautiful and intelligent courtesan who causes Emperor Konoe to be extremely ill. She is chased away by Abe no Yasuchika and her true nature as the Nine-tailed Fox is revealed. After running away to the area of Nasu, the fox is killed and becomes a stone which continually releases toxic gas.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Nakamura Utaemon Playing the Nine-tailed Fox |
| Brief description | Nakamura Utaemon Playing the Nine-tailed Fox, by Toyokawa Yoshikuni (active 1803-40); signed Jukodo Yoshikuni; c.1825; Pap, Japan, prints |
| Gallery label | Toshiba Gallery:
The Nine-tailed Fox is a mythical creature that appears in Chinese, Japanese and Korean legends. In the Japanese version, it is said to have possessed a beautiful courtesan who caused the Emperor to become ill. When the courtesan was chased away, she reverted to her original form. (21/08/2013) |
| Object history | Purchased from S. M. Franck & Co., accessioned in 1886. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
| Summary | This print pictures the Kabuki performer Nakamura Utaemon playing Kiubi-no-Kitsunne (the Nine-tailed Fox). The Nine-tailed Fox is a mythical creature depicted in the Shan Han Jing, a Chinese classic text dates back to the 4th century BC. Stories of the Nine-tailed Fox then appear in various Chinese, Japanese and Korean legends. In the Japanese version, the Nine-Tailed Fox is said to have possessed Tamamo no Mae, a most beautiful and intelligent courtesan who causes Emperor Konoe to be extremely ill. She is chased away by Abe no Yasuchika and her true nature as the Nine-tailed Fox is revealed. After running away to the area of Nasu, the fox is killed and becomes a stone which continually releases toxic gas. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.13810-1886 |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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