A line-up of top stars 1863 - 1868

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, titled "A line-up of top stars," is by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865), and is a vibrant example of the Edo period genre. The print features a dramatic scene of a male character and a female character, most likely actors performing a scene from a kabuki play, with a distinctive cloud-like design at the top. Kunisada was known for his portrayals of actors and beautiful women, and this print showcases his mastery of detail and dynamic composition, demonstrating his ability to capture the energy and emotion of a theatrical performance. The work was created between 1863-1868 and currently resides in the Rijksmuseum.