Figure of a Kabuki Dancer

Currently not on view

Figure of a Kabuki Dancer

c. 1850

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

This porcelain figurine represents a female dancer from the Kabuki theater. Okuni, a purported priestess of the Izumo shrine and the legendary founder of Kabuki, shocked audiences with her sexually suggestive dances at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Kabuki performances by women were soon banned in Japan, however, and from 1629 on, male actors performed both male and female roles.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Figure of a Kabuki Dancer

Date:

c. 1850

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Medium:

Glazed porcelain with overglaze enamel and gilt decoration

Dimensions:

18 1/8 x 8 9/16 inches (46.1 x 21.7 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Bequest of Edward S. Clarke, 1904

Accession Number:

1904-683

Geography:

Made in Kyoto, Yamashiro Province, Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

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Currently not on view