The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX 1769

This ukiyo-e print by Kitao Shigemasa, a prominent Japanese artist, depicts the renowned actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX. The image, created in 1769, showcases the actor in a theatrical pose, with a dramatic flourish of his hand and a vibrant, intricate kimono. The print captures the essence of kabuki theatre, a popular form of Japanese entertainment during the Edo period. The actor’s exaggerated gestures, detailed clothing, and stylized background reflect the artistic conventions of ukiyo-e and kabuki, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural scene of 18th-century Japan.