Selected Fine Performances of Actors for the Eight Views

(Mitate saiku yakusha hakkei, 見立細工役者八景)

Publisher: Shimizu-ya

c. 1834

In eleventh century China, eight views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers developed as a formalized series of landscape paintings. They represented views of the rivers and wetlands around Lake Dongting. The same eight views–autumn moon, lingering snow, evening glow, vesper bells, returning boats, clearing weather, night rain and homing geese–are likened to performances by kabuki actors in this series of prints. The series is listed as number 167 in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961). The prints are each about 14 by 10 inches (36 by 25 centimeters), a size known as ôban.

	Actor: Bandô Mitsugorô IV as Kinokuniya Play: Description: Actor standing with fan under full moon View: Autumn moon
	Another state of the above design
	Actor: Sawamura Tosshô I Play: Description: Actor in the snow View: Lingering snow (Kinokuniya bosetsu, 紀伊国屋 暮雪)
	Play: Description: Actor in female role standing in a small boat View: Evening glow
	Play: Description: Ichikawa Ebizô V as Kinokuniya Gengorô with a fishing pole View: Vesper bells
	Another state of the above design
	Actor: Seki Sanjûrô II as Owariya Play: Description: Actor standing by stream with sails in background View: Returning sails to Owariya (尾張屋帰帆)
	Play: Description: Iwai Shijaku I in a female role holding a cricket cage View: Clearing weather at Yamatoya (Yamatoya seiran, 大和屋晴嵐)
	Another state of the above design
	Play: Description: Standing actor in rain holding closed umbrella View: Night rain
	Play: Description: Actor seated on a mat with food and drink before him View: Homing geese

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