Memorial Portrait of the Actor Sawamura Sojuro IV 1812

This woodblock print, titled "Memorial Portrait of the Actor Sawamura Sojuro IV," is a striking example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished in the Edo period (1603-1868). Created in 1812 by the renowned artist Utagawa Toyokuni I, the print depicts the famous kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro IV in a dignified and elegant pose. Toyokuni's use of bold lines and vibrant colors, particularly the striking pink of the actor's robe, effectively captures the energy and presence of the renowned performer. The print showcases the artist's skill in conveying both realism and a sense of theatricality, typical of ukiyo-e portraits. The image is a testament to the enduring legacy of both kabuki and ukiyo-e art in Japanese culture.