The actors Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kajiwara Genta Kagesue and Ichikawa Monnosuke III as Umegae
Medium
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono
Dimensions
21.1 × 18.5 cm (8 5/16 × 7 1/4 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
80988
Art Historical Context
In the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan (1603–1868), Utagawa Hiroshige 1821 woodblock print *The Actors Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Kajiwara G Kagesue and Ichikawa Monnosuke III asegae* captures the splendor of kabuki drama. This intimate shikishiban-format print—measuring just 21.1 × 18.5 cm—depicts two star actors in dynamic poses: Danjūrō VII, a leading onnagata (female impersonator specialist), as the fierce warrior Kajiwara from tales of the Genpei War, alongside Monnosuke III as the graceful Umegae. Hiroshige, early in his career before mastering lyrical landscapes, showcases his skill in y...
About the Artist
Utagawa Hiroshige · 1826–1869
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), born Andō Tokutarō, was the last great master of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printmaking and one of the most influential landscape artists in history. Born in Edo (modern Tokyo) into a low-ranking samurai family serving as fire wardens, Hiroshige transformed landscape printmaking into a poetic meditation on nature, weather, and everyday life. His revolutionary approac...