Ichikawa Kodanji als Futamoto Daemon

About this artwork

height 360 mm x width 251 mm

Art Historical Context

Behold the vibrant *Ichikawa Kodanji alsamoto Daemon*, a masterful nishiki-e wood print by KunisadaII) Utagawa, created between 1863 and 1866. This vertical ōban-sized work (360 mm high by 251 mm wide) the renowned kabuki actor Ichikawaanji IV in the dramatic role of Futamoto Daemon, a character from Japanese theater. Kunisada II, a key figure in the Utagawa school, upheld the ukiyo-e tradition—"pictures of the floating worldthat celebrated ephemeral pleasures like theater and celebrity. Nishiki-e, or "brocade pictures," represents the zenith of Edo-period printmaking, employing intricate woodblocks to layer up to 20 vibrant colors from natural pigments. This technique allowed Kunisada II to render Kodanji's expressive pose, flowing robes, and fierce gaze with stunning realism and dynamism, drawing viewers into the intensity of kabuki performance. During Japan's late Edo era, amid social flux before the Meiji Restoration, such yakusha-e (actor prints) were wildly popular, sold cheaply at theaters and immortalizing stars like Kodanji. This piece not only showcases artistic virtuosity but also reflects kabuki's cultural heartbeat—blending artistry, drama, and star power for everyday audiences.