Ichikawa Danjûrô VII als Yoshimune no Munesada met waaier en Ichikawa Omezô in de rol van Sekibei met bijl

About this artwork

J.A. Bierens de Haan Bequest, Amsterdam

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century Japanese kabuki with this exquisite ukiyo-e print bytagawa Toyokuni (1769–1825), a master of the genre renowned for his dynamic yakusha-e portraits of actors. Titled *Ichikawa Danjûrô VII als Yoshimune Munesada met wier en Ichikawa Oô in de rol van Sekibei met bijl* (1822), it captures two stars of the stage: the legendary Ichikawa Danjrô VII as the noble Yoshimune no Munesada wielding a fan, and Ichikawa Omezô as the fierce Sekibei brandishing an axe. Measuring a compact 200 × 167 mm, this intimate scene freezes a dramatic moment, showcasing Toyokuni's skill in conveying theatrical intensity and star power during Japan's Edo period. Toyokuni elevated ukiyo-e through innovative techniques in this nishikie (brocade woodblock print). Metallic pigments add shimmering luxury to costumes and props, while blindprinting creates subtle embossed textures, and tsuyazuri—a glossy varnish effect—mimics lacquer for a tactile, jewel-like sheen. These methods transformed flat prints into multidimensional treasures, reflecting the opulence of kabuki and the era's printing advancements. Part of the J.A. Bierens de Haan Bequest in Amsterdam, this print highlights kabuki's cultural dominance, where actors were celebrities akin to modern idols. It offers a window into Edo Japan's entertainment scene, blending artistry, performance, and fleeting beauty in the "floating world" of ukiyo-e.