Portret van Sawamura Sojuro III en Segawa Kikunojo III

About this artwork

blad: hoogte 372 mm x breedte 255 mm

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Sawamurajuro III en Seg Kikunojo III** a captivating ukiyo-e woodblock print by Utagawaokuni I, created between 1794 and 1798. This nishiki-e, or "brocade picture," measures 372 mm high by 255 mm wide and portrays two celebrated kabuki actors: Saw Sojuro III, for his dynamic male roles, and Segawa Kikunojo III, a master onnagata who specialized in female impersonations. Toyokuni, a leading figure in the Utagawa school, excelled in yakusha-e (actor prints), capturing the theatrical world's stars with vivid expressiveness during Japan's Edo period. In the vibrant culture of 18th-century Japan, kabuki theater was a popular spectacle, blending drama, dance, and elaborate costumes. Toyokuni's portraits immortalized these performers, reflecting ukiyo-e's focus on the "floating world" of entertainment and ephemera. This artwork highlights the era's fascination with celebrity, as fans collected such prints like modern posters, fostering a thriving market for affordable yet luxurious art. The nishiki-e technique revolutionized printmaking with its rich, multi-layered colors achieved through intricate woodblock carving and precise registration—up to 20 blocks for subtle gradients and metallics. Toyokuni's bold lines and dramatic poses evoke the intensity of live performances, making this piece a window into kabuki's glamour and the artistry that made ukiyo-e a global icon.