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What does the poem say, and how is this insert related to the kabuki play? (photo did not get through before!!)

From a series of five prints 'Mitate gogyô (no) uchi' (見立五行内 - Analogy to the Five Elements), published in 1866 by Sanoya Tomigorô. The depicted actor is Ichimura Kakitsu IV (Onoe Kikugorô V, 1844-1903) in the role of Ômaru. Because this is a 'mitate' series, there is probably no direct link to a kabuki play performed at that time although the role of Ômaru is associated with the play 'Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami'. Also, the print refers probably to the 2nd Element 'Water' indicated by the depiction of a river.

Guy.

Thank you Guy!

Dear Francis,

You probably know by now that I'm not an expert on this. Since I just love it, and I'm always trying to learn and help others do the same... Here's my take:

見立五行内 (Mitate Gogyō Uchi) — "Parody of the Five Elements."
一鶯斎国周筆 (Ichiyōsai Kunichika hitsu) — "brush by Ichiyōsai Kunichika."

Usually in his series, the poet's name and waka poem are written on a piece of shikishi paper, and the names of the play's characters are attached to the actor's portrait. But I'm afraid (and I'm not sure if I'm correct) this isn't a waka poem (because it lacks the proper meter).

As far as I could figure out as an African-Brazilian studying Japanese:

加茂川に (Kamo-gawa ni) — "At the Kamo River..."
水もまさりて (mizu mo masarite) — "...the waters have risen..."
かはそ風 (kawa so kaze?) — "...the river breeze..."

So, something like: "At the Kamo River, the waters have risen; what feels cool is the breeze along the river."

I honestly don't know much more, but I've heard (links attached) the poem is by the poet "Munehisa" (1852), and the ukiyo-e depicts Ichimura Kakitsu IV as Sakuramaru (1866).

You can read a quick text about the engraving here: https://www.fujiarts.com/meiji-era-japanese-prints/kunichika/1160733-ichimura-kakitsu-iv-as-sakuramaru-1866

https://www.fujiarts.com/meiji-era-japanese-prints/kunichika/1160733-ichimura-kakitsu-iv-as-sakuramaru-1866?srsltid=AfmBOoqNJ--jF9e69SVka2Bxk0i4GK-gTNE2XzdwVn-quVH6FzOmRo5o

https://www.umam.jp/blog/?cat=54

Best Regards,
Renato Araújo from Brazil

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