The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V, Attired in Voluminous Ceremonial Trousers (Nagabakama)

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan (1615–1868), Katsukawa Shunsh (1726–1792) captured the theatrical flair of kabuki with this striking woodblock print, *The Actor Ichikawa Danjō V, Attired in Voluminous Ceremonialrousers (Nagabakama)*. Shunshō, a founder of the influential Katsukawa school, excelled in yakusha-e—portraits of actors—that brought the drama of the stage to everyday viewers. Here, the legendary kabuki star Ichikawa Danjūrō V strikes a dynamic pose, his flowing nagabakama trousers billowing like dramatic waves, evoking the grandeur of classical Japanese theater roles. This nishiki-e, or "brocade picture," showcases the pinnacle of woodblock printing techniques: intricate carving on multiple blocks allowed for vivid layers of ink and color on paper, creating a luxurious, multicolored effect that mimicked fine textiles. Measuring just 12¾ x 6 inches, these affordable prints democratized art, adorning homes across Japan and preserving fleeting performances for posterity. The inclusion of weapons in the tags hints at Danjūrō's portrayal of heroic warriors, a staple of kabuki's aragoto style—bold, exaggerated acting that thrilled audiences. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Henry L. Phillips Collection, this print offers a window into ukiyo-e's ("pictures of the floating world") celebration of ephemeral pleasures like theater, blending artistry with cultural reverence for performance.

About the Artist

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

Japanese, 1726–1792