Ehon butai ogi

About this artwork

Drie delen (compleet), met waaiervormige portretten van acteurs, waarnaast hun acteursnaam in wit; bewaard in een donkerrode chitsu (uitklapbaar doosje).

Art Historical Context

**Ehon Butai Ogi: A Celebration of Kabuki Stars** Created in 1770 by Katsukawasho, a leading ukiyo-e master the Edo period, *Ehon Butai Ogi* (Picture Book of Stage Fans) is a complete three-volume color woodblock-printed book measuring 281 mm high by 185 mm wide. Shunsho, renowned for his yakusha-e (actor prints), captures the glamour of kabuki theater through innovative fan-shaped portraits. Each image depicts famous actors in dynamic poses, their names elegantly rendered in white beside them, evoking the hand fans waved by performers and fans alike during lively stage productions. The woodcut technique, a hallmark of ukiyo-e, allowed for vibrant colors and precise details, making these affordable prints wildly popular among Edo's urban audiences. The fan motifs not only reference theater props but also highlight the era's obsession with celebrity culture, blending artistry with everyday ephemera. Preserved in its original dark red chitsu—a traditional folding box—this rare set offers a window into 18th-century Japan's thriving entertainment world. Shunsho's expressive style influenced generations of printmakers, underscoring kabuki's role in shaping modern Japanese visual culture. Visitors, imagine flipping through these pages to meet the stars who captivated crowds centuries ago!