The Actor Hayakawa Shinkatsu as Toyohime in the play "Goshozome Koyo Gunki," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eleventh month, 1727 (?)

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Actor Hayakawa Shink as Toyohime in play "Goshozome Koyo Gunki,"* a vibrant hand-colored woodblock print by the innovative ukiyo-e master Okumura Masan, created around 1727 for a performance at Tokyo's Ichimura Theater. This hosoban-format print—narrow and vertical at just 30.5 × 15.4 cm—captures the kabuki star Hayakawa Shinkatsu in the role of the elegant Toyohime, showcasing the theatrical glamour of Edo-period Japan. Masanobu, a pioneer in actor portraits (yakusha-e), elevated woodblock printing with his signature urushi-e technique, applying glue (nijiri) to the blocks for a glossy, lacquered sheen that made colors pop like enamel. This early innovation bridged painting and printmaking, making high art accessible to urban audiences amid kabuki's rising popularity in the 18th century. As a snapshot of 1727's cultural scene, the print reflects ukiyo-e's "floating world" ethos—ephemeral pleasures of theater and celebrity. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, it invites us to step into the lively world of Japan's golden age of performance art.

About the Artist

Okumura Masanobu · 1686–1764

Japanese, 1686–1764