The Fourth Matsumoto Koshiro as an Outlaw Looking at a Wooden Ninsogaki

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with Katsukawa Shunshō'sThe Fourth Matsumoto Koshiro as an Outlaw Looking at Wooden Ninsogaki (ca. 1779–83). This wood print captures the renowned kabuki actor Matsumoto Kōshirō IV in a dramatic pose as a rugged outlaw, gazing intently at a wooden puppet or effigy—known as a *ninsogaki*. Surrounded by stylized trees, the scene evokes the theatrical intensity of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated everyday pleasures and performing arts. Shunshō, a master of the Katsukawa school, was celebrated for his realistic yakusha-e (actor prints), bringing performers to life with expressive faces and dynamic compositions. Printed as a *nishiki-e*—or "brocade picture"—using ink and vibrant colors on paper, this vertical *ōban* format (about 12½ x 5⅞ inches) showcases the revolutionary multi-block printing technique that allowed for rich, layered hues mimicking luxurious textiles. Developed in the late 18th century, *nishiki-e* elevated woodblock prints from simple illustrations to affordable art for urban merchants and theater fans. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection (purchased via the Joseph Pulitzer Bequest in 1918), this piece highlights kabuki's cultural dominance during the Edo period (1615–1868). It immortalizes a star actor mid-performance, blending artistry with the era's passion for drama, celebrity, and nature's subtle backdrop. A window into Japan's playful yet profound theatrical heritage!

About the Artist

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

Japanese, 1726–1792