Title : Actor Ichikawa Yaozö II

Artist : Katsukawa Shunsho

Date : c. 1764 - 1772

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : 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 posturing of wrath) that we commonly associate with Shunshö's Kabuki actor images. Shunshö's output was not limited to Kabuki prints, and he was also a renowned master of "paintings of beautiful women" (bijinga). In fact, Shunshö first trained in the lineage of the renowned Miyagawa Chöshun (1682-1752), who was best known for his dynamic bijinga. However, Shunshö renounced this heritage and changed his lineage name from Miyagawa to Katsukawa when Chöshun was disgraced, and eventually exiled, in 1749. At the same time, the delicate lines and elegant sensibility derived from his training in bijinga remain visible in his Kabuki-actor prints. The excellence of the captured poses and balanced compositions in Shunshö's actor prints are unparalleled in the history of the Kabuki print genre. (Feb 2011) ALT TEXT 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. There are approximately five different kumadori. This print shows an actor in “loyal warrior” make-up. He stands and strikes the mie pose (which demonstrates the restrained and resolute posturing of wrath) that we commonly associate with Shunshö's Kabuki actor images. (from “Capturing Actor’s Spirit / Shunshö” exhibition 1/15/2009-) ALT TEXT 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. There are about five different kumadori. This print shows an actor in "loyal warrior" make-up. He stands and strikes the mie pose (which demonstrates the restrained and resolute posturing of wrath) that we commonly associate with Shunshö's Kabuki actor images. 2003

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