Exhibitions
Bandō Tamasaburō’s stage costumes
2025.10.24(Fri) - 2025.12.14(Sun)
Overview
This exhibition showcases twelve of his costumes created in this way. Each represents an Oiran, the highest ranking courtesan, featured in his kabuki repertoire. It is a marvelous opportunity to dip into the world of mesmerizing costumes deriving from Tamasaburō’s aesthetic sensitivity.
1. From Sueroku Yuen Edo Zakura, the costume for Oiran procession worn by Agemaki and one she wares later on to hide Sukeroku, decorated with the painting by Muroi Toshio.
2. From Dan no ura Kabugo Gunki, the costume is worn by courtesan Okoya in a famous scene in which she plays three musical instruments to prove her innocence.
3. From Kuruwa bunshō Yoshidaya, the Dayū-class courtesan Yūgiri of Ōgiya wears a lavish wedding kimono at the grand finale with her beloved young bachelor Izaemon.
4. From Kago tsurube sato no eizame, five Oiran costumes are put to public view for the first time. These are worn by Oiran-class courtesan Yatsuhashi of Hyōgoya in the famous Yoshiwara red-light district.
(Stage photos: Okamoto Takashi, stills: Kashihara Takashi)