見立三国志 牛若の源治|Ichimura Kakitsu IV as Ushiwaka no Genji in the Kabuki play A Parody of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Mitate Sangokushi-Ushiwaka no Genji)

Art Historical Context

This vibrant woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika captures Ichimura Kakitsu IV in the role of Ushiwaka no Genji, from the 1868 kabuki play *A Parody of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. Created as one sheet of a triptych, it exemplifies the ukiyo-e tradition of actor portraits (*yakusha-e*), which flourished in Edo-period Japan. Kunichika, active during the late 19th century, specialized in dynamic kabuki scenes with bold colors and expressive details that brought theatrical performances to life for a broad audience. The work reflects the cultural importance of kabuki theater as popular entertainment, often blending historical epics like the Chinese *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* with Japanese legends through *mitate* (parody) techniques. The actor’s portrayal, complete with elegant fans and dramatic pose, highlights the stylized beauty and emotional intensity of stage performance. Produced in the year of the Meiji Restoration, such prints documented shifting tastes while preserving the lively spirit of Edo culture. As a colorful ink-and-color print on paper, this piece demonstrates the technical artistry of Japanese woodblock printing, where multiple blocks created intricate patterns and gradients. It offers viewers a glimpse into 1860s theatrical life and the enduring appeal of actors as cultural icons.

About the Artist

Toyohara Kunichika · 1835–1900

Japanese, 1835–1900