Onoe Kikugorou (first generation)

Japanese: 尾上菊五郎（初世） - おのえきくごろう

...The image of Oishi as a powerful man with an imposing physique was established by the first Sawamura Sojuro, who played the main character Ogishi Miyauchi (corresponding to Oishi Yoshio) in "Forty-Seven Large Arrows" (first performed in 1747) and achieved great success. Later, the first Onoe Kikugoro incorporated the excellent features of other great actors to perfect the image of Yurasuke. In the "Kokin Iroha Hyorin," he was given the following evaluation: "Considering the form, rank, and status of the chief retainer, Kikugoro should be called the best." ...

From Onoe Kikugorou

...The art was continued by the 15th Uzaemon and his son, the 6th Kikugorou. His beautiful appearance is preserved in a collection of photographs, and there is a good book written by Baisetsu Isaka entitled "The Autobiography of Onoe Kikugorou." (6) The 6th (1885-1949) The 5th's son. ...

*Some of the terminology used to refer to "Onoue Kikugorou (first generation)" is listed below.

Source | Heibonsha World Encyclopedia 2nd Edition | Information

Japanese:

…体軀堂々たる偉丈夫という大石の人物像は，《大矢数四十七本》(1747初演)の主人公大岸宮内(大石良雄にあたる)を演じて大当りをとった初代沢村宗十郎が決定づけた。その後さらに名優たちのすぐれた点をとり入れて由良助像を完成したのが，初代尾上菊五郎であった。《古今いろは評林》では，〈家老職の体（てい）･ほど･位を考へて，菊五郎を最上ともいふなるべし〉という評価を与えられている。…