初代中村富十郎|Kabuki Actor Nakamura Tomijūrō I in a Female Dance Role

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of-period Japan with Katsukawa Shunshō'sKabuki Actor Nakamura Tomijō I in a Female Role* (ca. 1777 This exquisite woodblock print captures the renowned actor Nakamura Tomijūrō, a star of the Kabuki theater, gracefully performing as an onnagata—a male actor specializing in female roles. Shunō, a leading figure in the ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") tradition, masterfully portrays Tomijūrō mid-dance, his elaborate kimono flowing with dynamic energy, evoking the theatrical spectacle that captivated audiences in 18th-century Tokyo. Printed in the innovative nishiki-e technique—known as "brocade pictures" for their rich, multi-layered colors achieved through separate woodblocks for inks and pigments—this hosoban (narrow format) work exemplifies the artistry of yakusha-e, or actor prints. These affordable yet stunning images brought Kabuki's glamour into everyday homes, democratizing high culture during the Edo period (1615–1868). Shunshō's precise lines and subtle shading highlight the actor's expressive pose, blending realism with stylized beauty. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this print not only celebrates Japan's theatrical heritage but also showcases how woodblock printing revolutionized visual storytelling, influencing global art for centuries. A timeless snapshot of performance and passion!

About the Artist

Katsukawa Shunshō　勝川春章 (Japanese) · 1726 –1792

Japanese, 1726–1792