Ichikawa Danjuro IX als Kezori Kyuemon

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Art Historical Context

Behold the vibrant *Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Kezori Kyūemon* (1898), a color woodcut by Toyoh Kunichika, a of ukiyo-e—Japan's "pictures of the world." This intimate print (350 × 239 mm) captures the legendary kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō IX in the role of Kezori Kyūemon, a cunning samurai from traditional theater. Kunichika, active in the late 19th century, excelled in yakusha-e (actor portraits), freezing dramatic mie poses that embodied kabuki's theatrical flair amid Meiji-era modernization. Crafted through meticulous woodblock printing, the artwork showcases layered colors from multiple blocks, yielding rich gradients and bold contrasts typical of ukiyo-e techniques. Kunichika's expressive lines and vivid hues highlight the actor's fierce gaze and ornate costume, evoking the ephemeral excitement of Edo-period stage life persisting into modern times. Bearing collector's mark Lugt 2760, this piece links to esteemed print connoisseurs, underscoring its enduring appeal. A window into Japan's cultural heritage, it invites you to ponder kabuki's blend of artistry and performance.

About the Artist

Toyohara Kunichika · 1835–1900

Japanese, 1835–1900