Actor Ichikawa Yaozö II

Catalog note / 解説

Katsukawa Shunshö (1726-1792) was not only the teacher of famed woodblock-print artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), but also a pioneer in the production of the full-woodblock print consisting of ink and color on paper (nishiki-e), particularly of Kabuki actors. This print depicts a well-known Kabuki actor of the Ichikawa family in an elaborate costume and make-up, with two long swords. The distinctive make-up is called kumadori, which is used in Kabuki to represent different characters: red lines for bravery, blue lines for evil people or spirits. This print shows an actor in "loyal warrior" make-up. He stands and strikes the mie pose (which demonstrates the restrained and resolute postu…