The Actor Ichikawa Yaozō III Holding a Red Fan 1794

Katsukawa Shun'ei's "The Actor Ichikawa Yaozō III Holding a Red Fan" (1794) is a ukiyo-e print depicting the renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozō III in a dramatic pose. The print, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Shun'ei's mastery of portraying the expressive power of kabuki actors, capturing the intensity of Yaozō's performance. The artist employs vibrant colors and bold lines to emphasize the actor's facial features, intricate costume, and the striking red fan he holds. This work is an excellent example of the artist's contributions to the ukiyo-e movement, which flourished in Edo-period Japan, celebrating the beauty of everyday life and the world of entertainment.