Acteur Iwai Hanshiro IV in de rol van courtisane

About this artwork

Purchased with the support of the Vereniging Rembrandt and the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Kunsten en Wetenschappen

Art Historical Context

This vibrant color woodcut by Katsukawa Shunsho captures the celebrated Kabuki actor Iwai Hansiro IV in the role a courtesan, a to the onnagata tradition where male performers masterfully embodied female characters. Created between 1780 and 1790 during Japan's Edo period, the print exemplifies *yakusha-e*—actor portraits that were wildly popular among theater enthusiasts. Shunsho, a leading figure in the ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") movement, remarkable realism to his subjects, with expressive faces, flowing robes, and dynamic poses that evoke the drama of the stage. The narrow *hosoban* format (325mm high by 147mm wide) made these affordable woodcuts accessible to everyday people, produced through a meticulous process of carving multiple woodblocks for intricate colors and details. Shunsho's innovative style influenced generations, blending bold lines with subtle shading to convey personality and emotion. Acquired with support from the Vereniging Rembrandt and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Arts, and Sciences, this piece highlights the global appreciation for ukiyo-e's cultural snapshot of 18th-century Japan's thriving entertainment world, where Kabuki stars like Iwai were cultural icons.