Bust Portraits of Actors in Folding Fans: Ichikawa Danjuro V, Segawa Kikunojo III, Ichikawa Monnosuke II (right, top to bottom); Nakamura Nakazo I, Matsumoto Koshiro IV, Bando Mitsugoro II (left, top to bottom)
c. 1788
Medium
Color woodblock print; hosoban
Dimensions
32.6 × 14.9 cm (12 13/16 × 5 7/8 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
34960
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of 18th-century Japanese kab theater with this exquisite color woodblock print byukawa Shunsei, created around 1788. Titled *Bust Portraits of in Folding Fans*, it intimate bust-length portraits of six celebrated kabuki stars: on the right fan, Ichikawa Danj V, Segawa Kikjo III, and Ich Monnosuke II; the left, Nakamura Nak I, Matsumoto Kosh IV, and Bando Mitsugoro II. Shunsei, a master of the Katsukawa school, captures their expressive faces, elaborate hairstyles, and theatrical makeup with remarkable precision, evoking the stars' larger-than-life personas. Printed...