Memorial Portrait of the Actor Onoe Kikugoro IV and His Wife 1860

This 1860 woodblock print, created by an anonymous artist, depicts the famous kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro IV and his wife. The print, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, utilizes vibrant colors and detailed lines to capture the couple's likeness. Kikugoro's wife stands behind him, holding a large, round mirror and a walking stick, a symbolic representation of her support and guidance. The print's inscription, written in Japanese, provides insights into the couple's lives and the cultural context of their time. This artwork exemplifies the genre of ukiyo-e, a popular form of Japanese art that depicted everyday life, theater, and landscapes.