The Actor Bando Yasosuke 1801 - 1808

This woodblock print, "The Actor Bando Yasosuke", created by Utagawa Toyokuni I between 1801 and 1808, depicts the renowned kabuki actor Bando Yasosuke. The print showcases the actor in a dramatic pose, highlighted by the contrasting colors of his patterned kimono and the dark background. Toyokuni I's mastery of the ukiyo-e style, known for its portrayal of everyday life and popular culture in Edo-period Japan, is evident in the vivid details and dynamic composition. This work, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, provides insight into the thriving kabuki theater scene of the early 19th century.