Actor Nakamura Noshio II as Tonase in “Model for Kana Calligraphy: Treasury of the 47 Loyal Retainers” (“Kanadehon chûshingura”)

Art Historical Context

This vibrant woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei created around 1795, captures actor Nakamura Noshio II the role of Tonase, a devoted nurse from the beloved kabuki play *Kanhon Chûshingura*—a dramatized tale of the 47 loyal retainers (ronin) who avenged their lord's death. Produced during Japan's Edo period, when ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") flourished, this ôban-sized print (a standard large format of about 37 x 25 cm) reflects the era's obsession with kabuki theater. Shun'ei, a master of the Katsukawa school, excelled in yakusha-e (actor portraits), bringing dramatic intensity to performers through expressive poses and intricate details. The print's title hints at its dual purpose: not just a theatrical portrait, but a "model for kana calligraphy," blending visual art with elegant Japanese syllabary script for artistic writing practice. Shun'ei's technique shines in the multi-block color printing—vibrant reds, blues, and golds layered for depth—highlighting Noshio's fierce gaze and flowing robes, evoking Tonase's emotional turmoil. As a cultural icon, *Chûshingura* embodies bushido loyalty and has inspired countless adaptations, making this work a window into 18th-century Japan's theater-mad society. A gem from the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, it invites you to ponder the blurred lines between stage and street art.

About the Artist

Katsukawa Shun'ei · 1762–1819

Katsukawa Shun'ei (1762–1819) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who succeeded his master Katsukawa Shunshō as head of the Katsukawa school around 1800, continuing and advancing the school's innovations in kabuki actor portraiture. Born on December 13, 1762, into a landlord family with the surname Isoda, Shun'ei trained under Shunshō from his youth and became one of the most accomplished designers of y...