Ichikawa Shikô (Ichikawa Morinosuke) als Tôken Jûbei in het toneelstuk ‘Hyôkumon kuruwa no nishiki-e’, Takeda Theater 1847

This 1847 woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshiume depicts Ichikawa Shikô, also known as Ichikawa Morinosuke, in the role of Tôken Jûbei from the play “Hyôkumon kuruwa no nishiki-e,” a kabuki performance at the Takeda Theater. The print, a close-up portrait, captures the intensity of the actor’s gaze and the dramatic pose as he grips his sword, showcasing the artist's talent in capturing the energy and drama of kabuki theater. This ukiyo-e print, a popular form of Japanese art during the Edo period, is an example of the genre's use of bold colors, vivid detail, and expressive linework to depict the vibrant world of Japanese theater.