The Actor Sawamura Tanosuke I, from "A Picture Book of Stage Fans (Ehon butai ogi)"
Medium
Color woodblock print; page from illustrated book
Dimensions
24.5 × 15.3 cm (9 5/8 × 6 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
31319
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with *The Actor Sawamura Tanos I*, a stunning color woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunsho from 1770 illustrated book *A Picture Book of Stage Fans (Ehonai ogi)*. Shunsho, a master of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), specialized in yakusha-e—portraits of Kabuki actors that captured their dramatic personas. This intimate page (24.5 × 15.3 cm) from the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection showcases Sawamura Tanosuke I, a celebrated onnagata (female role specialist), in a poised, expressive pose amid swirling fans, evoking th...