Bandō Hikosaburō III in the Role of Sugawara no Michizane 1786 - 1806

This ukiyo-e woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I, depicts the famous kabuki actor Bandō Hikosaburō III portraying Sugawara no Michizane, a prominent scholar and poet of the Heian period. Toyokuni I, a prolific artist, was known for his dynamic portrayals of actors, capturing their expressions and costumes with great detail. The actor's elaborate green and yellow robes, adorned with chrysanthemum motifs, reflect the grandeur of the kabuki stage. This print, created between 1786-1806, is an important example of the vibrant and popular art form of Japanese woodblock printing.