Drawing Intended as Design for an Actor Print 1833 - 1847

This is a preparatory drawing by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865), a prominent artist of the ukiyo-e tradition, for an actor print. It depicts a kabuki actor in a theatrical pose with a fan behind him and is likely intended to depict a particular character from a play. The drawing, dated 1833-1847, is rendered in black ink with a few hints of color and exhibits the precise and expressive lines characteristic of Kunisada’s work. These preliminary sketches were crucial for the creation of full-color prints and provide valuable insight into the artist's process.