The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Sagami Goro, from the series "Popular Actors as the 108 Heroes of the Water Margin (Ryuko yakusha Suikoden goketsu hyakuichinin no hitori)"

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan, Utagawa Kunisada I (also known as Toyokuni), a master of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, captured the drama of kabuki theater in this striking 1828 color woodblock print. Titled *The Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Sagami Gorō, from the series "Popular Actors the 108 Heroes of Water Margin"*, it portrays the renowned actor in the role of a fierce bandit from the classic Chinese novelSuikoden* (Water Margin). This popular series fused kabuki stardom with epic tales of outlaws, reflecting Japan's fascination with heroic rebels and theatrical spectacle during a time of urban entertainment boom. Kunisada's oban-sized print (37.2 × 23.2 cm) showcases his signature bold lines, vibrant colors achieved through intricate woodblock carving and multiple color blocks—a technique called *nishiki-e* or "brocade printing" that brought prints to life like luxurious textiles. Ichikawa Danjūrō VII, a kabuki legend from the prestigious Danjūrō lineage known for dynamic *aragoto* (rough stuff) style, strikes a powerful pose, his expressive face and flowing robes embodying the outlaw's bravado. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this work highlights ukiyo-e's role in democratizing art, making celebrity portraits accessible to everyday viewers and preserving a golden age of Japanese performance culture.

About the Artist

Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) · 1786–1864

Utagawa Kunisada I, also known as Toyokuni III (1786–1865), was born Sumida Shōgorō in the Honjo district of Edo (modern Tokyo) into a family that operated a hereditary ferry-boat service, providing stability after his father's early death. Displaying prodigious talent in drawing from childhood, he became an apprentice to the master Utagawa Toyokuni I around 1801 at age fifteen, entering the prest...