Acteur Ichikawa Yaozo II met getrokken zwaard

About this artwork

Aankoop met steun van de Vereniging Rembrandt en het Ministerie van Onderwijs, Kunsten en Wetenschappen

Art Historical Context

This striking color woodcut, titled *Acteur Ichikawa Yao II met getrokken zwaard* (Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II Drawn Sword), captures the dramatic intensity of Kabuki theater legend Ichikawa Yaozo II. by the renowned ukiyo-e master Ippitsusaiô between 1768 and 1772, it exemplifies the yakusha-e genre—portraits of actors in iconic poses. Bunchô, active during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868), was celebrated for his bold lines and expressive figures, blending realism with theatrical flair. In the "floating world" of ukiyo-e, woodblock prints like this one democratized art, making celebrity culture accessible to everyday viewers. Kabuki, with its all-male performers and exaggerated gestures, was a cultural phenomenon, and prints immortalized stars like Yaozo II mid-performance. The vertical format (300 × 142 mm) suits the actor's poised stance, sword drawn in a moment of high tension, evoking the samurai spirit central to many plays. Printed using the sophisticated nishiki-e technique—multi-block carving for vibrant colors—this work highlights Bunchô's mastery of subtle shading and dynamic composition. Acquired with support from the Vereniging Rembrandt and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Arts and Sciences, it bridges Japanese printmaking traditions with global collections, inviting us to appreciate the artistry behind Edo-era spectacle.