The Fifth Ichikawa Danjuro as a Man Standing

Art Historical Context

Katsukawa Shunshō *The Fifth Ichikawa Danjūrō as a Man Standing* (ca. 1775) is a striking woodblock print (nishiki-e) from Edo period (16151868), capturing the of kabuki theater. The Fifth Ichikawa Danjūr, from one of kabuki's most illustrious acting lineages, poses dramatically in a role that highlights his commanding presence. Measuring just 12½ x 5⅞ inches, this intimate portrait exemplifies the ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") tradition, which celebrated everyday pleasures like theater amid urban Edo's vibrant culture. Shunshō, a master of the Katsukawa school, specialized in yakusha-e—detailed actor portraits that brought kabuki stars to life for everyday fans. Nishiki-e technique, perfected in the 1760s, allowed for lush, multicolored layers through intricate woodblock carving and precise color registration, mimicking luxurious brocade fabrics. This innovation made prints affordable and wildly popular, turning actors into celebrities. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, this work underscores kabuki's cultural dominance and the woodblock print's role in democratizing art. It invites viewers to step into Edo's theatrical world, where a single pose conveyed epic stories.

About the Artist

Katsukawa Shunshō　勝川春章 (Japanese) · 1726 –1792

Japanese, 1726–1792