Mirror Images of Kabuki Actors 1804

This woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825), a prominent artist of the Edo period, depicts two kabuki actors, each one in a different pose. The print is known as a *ukiyo-e*, a genre of Japanese art depicting everyday life. The two actors, Nakamura Shikan and Sawamura Tanosuke, are rendered in a dynamic and expressive style, typical of Toyokuni’s work, highlighting their exaggerated features and dramatic costumes. The vibrant colors and detailed depiction of the characters' attire create a captivating visual experience. The print is part of a series known as *yakusha-e*, portraying popular kabuki actors. The print dates to 1804 and currently resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.