Kamakura-ogi Used by Ichikawa Danjyuro Ⅸ in "Takatoki"

Born as the 5th son of Danjuro VII, Ichikawa Danjuro IX was a famous actor praised as the theater-sage. He focused on the psychology of characters, and reviewed the interpretation of classic plays. Meanwhile, he continued to explore and improve kabuki for its vision in the new Meiji era. One of his efforts was historical play based on the practices and usages in ancient court and samurai families, which was called “active history”satirically by critics later on. Takatoki was first staged at Saruwaka-za theater of Tokyo in November of Meiji 17 (1884), Danjuro played the role of Hojo Takatoki who was made a fool for his own power and influence by tengu. He used a Kamakura folding fan with 5 frameworks according to ancient customs and manners.