Imaginary portrait, Shuihuzhuan of Stage: Tōryūdai (Mitate Suikoden Tōrōdai) - Actor Onoe Kikugorō plays as Kumon no Ryūkichi

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of Meiji-period Japan (1868–2), Toyohara Kunichika crafted this striking woodblock print, *Imaginary Portrait, Shuihuzhuan of Stage Tōryūdai (Mitate Suikodenōrōdai)*, from 1875. A master of ukiyo-e—literally "pictures of the floating world"—Kunichika in yakusha-e, or actor prints, capturing the drama of kabuki theater. Here, he depicts the renowned Onoe Kikugorō V as the fierce bandit Kumon no Ryūkichi from the classic Chinese novel *Water Margin* (Suikoden in Japanese), reimagined through a *mitate* (parodic homage) that blends literary heroism with stage spectacle. The print's dynamic composition showcases Kunichika's signature bold lines, vivid colors, and expressive poses, hallmarks of woodblock techniques where intricate carvings on wooden blocks allowed mass production of affordable art for everyday viewers. At 14 1/8 x 9 1/2 inches, it's a compact yet immersive scene, likely part of a larger series promoting kabuki performances amid Japan's rapid modernization. This artwork highlights kabuki's cultural dominance, where star actors like Kikugorō became folk heroes, echoing the outlaw camaraderie of *Suikoden*. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1960, it offers a window into how ukiyo-e bridged traditional storytelling and emerging Meiji influences, delighting audiences then and now.

About the Artist

Toyohara Kunichika · 1835–1900

Japanese, 1835–1900