Untitled

Katsukawa Shunkō

ca. 1789 · Woodblock print; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

The Ichikawa family was renowned for playing heroic "Shibaraku!" roles. Shown here in such a performance, Danjūrō wears a persimmon red robe with a huge family crest of three nested squares (mimasu) on each of his large sleeves. His face shows red lines on white makeup, and he wears a bizarre wig. Shunkō portrayed Danjūrō V striking a pose (mie) at a climactic moment to make a powerful impression on the audience

Artist

Katsukawa Shunkō

Date

ca. 1789

Medium

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1925