Nakamura Matsue als Otaka
Shunbaisai Hokuei, 1824
About this artwork
Behold the vibrant *Nakamura Matsue als Ot* (1824), a color woodcut by Shunbaisai Hok, a master of Japan's Ukiyo-e tradition. This striking print captures the kabuki actor Nakamura Mats I in the role of Otaka, showcasing the dramatic flair of Edo-period theater. Measuring 366 mm high by 253 mm wide, it exemplifies Hokuei's Osaka-school style, known for its compositions and expressive portraits of performers (*yakusha-e*), blending realism with theatrical exaggeration to bring the "floating world" of entertainment to life. Created through the intricate *nishiki-e* technique—multi-block woodcuts layered with vivid pigments—Hokuei's work highlights collaborative artistry among carvers, printers, and publishers. During the 1820s, amid strict censorship, such prints preserved kabuki's cultural pulse, immortalizing stars like Matsue, a celebrated *onnagata* (female impersonator). The medium's affordability made these images accessible, fueling a print boom that influenced global art. Generously gifted by F.W.M., Baroness Bonger-van der Borch van Verwolde of Amsterdam, this piece bridges Japanese heritage with European collections, inviting us to appreciate theater's timeless allure. (198 words)