The Third Floor of a Theater in Edo

Edo period theaters were subject to size restrictions, with most exteriors limited to two stories. Inside, however, the space was divided into first floor, second-floor mezzanine, and a third floor of dressing rooms, including a large communal space that could be used for gatherings of the type shown here.
The eleven actors represented in this triptych are all celebrities of the late 1790s. They have been identified as: (from right) Sawamura Gennosuke I (Sōjūrō IV), writing on a fan; Sawamura Tōzō I, holding a pipe; Ichikawa Omezō I, holding a Western-style wine glass; the onnagata actor Iwai Kumesaburō I (Hanshirō V), also with a pipe; Bandō Hikosaburō III, gesturing to his right; Bandō Mitsugorō III, standing with an unidentified actor behind him; Ichikawa Danjūrō VII, the short man; Onoe Eizaburō I (Kikugorō III), seated with a scroll; Matsumoto Kōshirō V, wearing a checked robe; and Nakayama Tomisaburō I, costumed as a female character. A variety of accessories completes this behind-the-scenes view, including two lines of makeup mirrors on wooden stands, with braziers, covered basins, makeup jars, and brushes. A wig on a stand, covered swords, and robes also hang ready to hand. At the right a red lacquered tray holds the makings of a meal for the actors — a platter of fish and noodles ready to be simmered in a broth-filled pot.