The actors Onoe Kikugoro III, Onoe Matsutake III, and Iwai Kumesaburo II

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of 19th-century Japanese theater, Utagawa Kunisada I (also known as Toyokuni), a master of the ukiyo-e school, captured the charisma of kabuki stars in this striking color woodblock print from 1825. Titled *The Actors Onoe Kikugoro III, Onoe Matsutake III, and Iwai Kumesuro II*, this shikishiban dipt—two square panels forming a panoramic scene—showcases the performers in dynamic poses, likely from a kabuki play. Measuring just 22.2 × 38.6 cm, it exemplifies the intimate, collectible format beloved by Edo-period fans. Kunisada's yakusha-e (actor prints) were cultural phenomena, immortalizing the "floating world" of theater where stars like Onoe Kikugoro III, a versatile onnagata (female role specialist), dazzled audiences with elaborate costumes and expressive gestures. Produced through meticulous woodblock techniques—involving carved blocks for color layers and precise registration—this print highlights Kunisada's skill in rendering rich fabrics, subtle facial nuances, and dramatic lighting, bringing the stage's energy to everyday viewers. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this work reflects kabuki's golden age in Edo (modern Tokyo), where prints fueled celebrity culture much like modern posters. It invites us to appreciate how ukiyo-e bridged art and entertainment, preserving fleeting performances for posterity.

About the Artist

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) · 1786–1864

Utagawa Kunisada I, also known as Toyokuni III (1786–1865), was born Sumida Shōgorō in the Honjo district of Edo (modern Tokyo) into a family that operated a hereditary ferry-boat service, providing stability after his father's early death. Displaying prodigious talent in drawing from childhood, he became an apprentice to the master Utagawa Toyokuni I around 1801 at age fifteen, entering the prest...