Actor Segawa Kikunojô III Possibly as Ono no Komachi in “Komachi Village: New Year at the Theater” (“Komachimura shibai no shôgatsu”)

Art Historical Context

This captivating woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei created around 1789, showcases the renowned kabuki actor Segawaunojô III, likely portraying the legendary poetess Ono no Komachi in the playful scene “Komachi Village: New at the Theater” (“achimura shibai no shôgatsu”). Shun'ei a master of the uyo-e tradition—“pictures of the floating world”—ized in yakusha-e or actor portraits, that brought the drama of Edo-period theater to life for everyday viewers. Printed as a hosoban diptych—two narrow panels forming a tall, slender image (33.5 × 15 cm)—this work exemplifies the innovative color woodblock technique. Artisans carved intricate blocks for each hue, layering vibrant reds, blues, and golds to capture Kikunojô's expressive pose and elaborate costume, evoking the festive energy of New Year's kabuki performances. Ono no Komachi, a Heian-era icon of beauty and wit, was a favorite role for onnagata like Kikunojô, who specialized in female parts with graceful realism. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this print highlights ukiyo-e's role in democratizing art during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868), making theater stars accessible to the masses and preserving a golden age of performance culture.

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...