The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I*, a captivating hand-colored woodblock print by the innovative Edo-period artist Okumura Masanobu, created around 1744. This wide *hashira-e*—a tall, narrow format designed to hang on architectural pillars—depicts the famed kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I in a dynamic pose, embodying the theatrical flair of Japan's "floating world" (*ukiyo-e*). Masanobu, active from the early 18th century, was a pioneer in ukiyo-e, blending traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with experimental flair inspired by Western prints. The artwork's *urushi-e* technique is a highlight: Masanobu applied thick, glossy pigments mimicking lacquer, achieving a luminous, three-dimensional effect that made his prints stand out amid the era's simpler monochromatic designs. Measuring 69.1 × 15 cm, this piece from the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection exemplifies early color woodblocks, predating the full-color *nishiki-e* revolution. It captures kabuki's vibrant culture, where actors like Ichimatsu were celebrities, their images avidly collected by urban audiences in bustling Edo (modern Tokyo). As one of Masanobu's actor portraits, it reflects the growing popularity of *yakusha-e* (actor prints) in the 1740s, offering museum visitors a window into 18th-century Japan's theater obsession and artistic ingenuity.

About the Artist

Okumura Masanobu · 1686–1764

Japanese, 1686–1764