The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Kawazu no Saburo in the Play Myoto-giku Izu no Kisewata, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1770

Katsukawa Shunsho

Created:
Movement:
c. 1770
None
key Notes:
Kabuki Portraiture, Ukiyo-e Print
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Dimensions:
32 × 15.2 cm (12 5/8 × 6 in.)
medium:
Color woodblock print; hosoban; from a multisheet composition
Difficulty:
Expert
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story of the work:

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The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Kawazu no Saburo

The painting titled "The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Kawazu no Saburo in the Play Myoto-giku Izu no Kisewata, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1770" is a color woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunshō, created circa 1770. This work is a hosoban, a narrow print format, and is part of a multisheet composition, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the dynamic presence of kabuki actors. Katsukawa Shunshō was a prominent figure in the ukiyo-e movement, known for his innovative approach to actor portraits, which significantly influenced the genre of yakusha-e, or actor prints. His work contributed to the popularization of kabuki theater by immortalizing its performers and scenes, thus playing a crucial role in the cultural landscape of Edo-period Japan. Shunshō's prints are noted for their delicate line work and expressive characterizations, which helped elevate the status of ukiyo-e as a respected art form. This particular print exemplifies Shunshō's ability to convey the theatricality and vibrancy of kabuki, making it a valuable piece for understanding the intersection of art and performance in 18th-century Japan.

Description of the work:

The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Kawazu no Saburo

The artwork by Katsukawa Shunsho, created circa 1770, is a color woodblock print depicting the actor Otani Hiroji III in the role of Kawazu no Saburo, showcasing the ukiyo-e style's emphasis on theatrical subjects and dynamic compositions. This hosoban print is part of a multisheet composition, reflecting the Edo period's fascination with kabuki theater and its performers.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Kawazu no Saburo in the Play Myoto-giku Izu no Kisewata, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1770