Acteur Yamashita Kinsaku II in de rol van de courtisane Agemaki

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, onder prent, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 18th-century Edo Japan with this striking color woodcut by Katsukawa Shunsho (1726–1792), a master of ukiyo-e—the "pictures of the floating world" that captured the fleeting pleasures of theater, beauty, and urban life. Titled *Acteur Yamashita Kinsaku II in de rol van courtisane Agem*, the print dates from 1773–1777 and portrays the kabuki actor Yamashita Kinsaku II in the iconic role of Agemaki, a glamorous courtesan from the famous drama *Soga no Taimen*. Shunsho's Katsukawa school pioneered realistic yakusha-e (actor portraits), emphasizing expressive faces and dynamic poses to bring stage stars to life for everyday fans. This narrow hosoban-format print (297 × 131 mm) showcases the ingenuity of nishiki-e, or "brocade pictures," where multiple woodblocks were meticulously carved and inked in vibrant hues—reds, blues, and golds—to create rich, layered colors without brushes. Such affordable prints democratized kabuki fandom, turning theater idols into household names amid Japan's booming entertainment culture. Bearing a collector's mark (Lugt 2228) stamped beneath, this piece reflects centuries of admiration for Shunsho's precise lines and emotional depth, offering a window into the theatrical splendor of the Edo period. A true gem for ukiyo-e enthusiasts!