Actors Ichikawa Danzō VI Possibly 1860 - 1869

This woodblock print, "Actors Ichikawa Danzō VI," depicts a scene from a kabuki play featuring the renowned actor Ichikawa Danzō VI. The artwork is a fine example of the ukiyo-e style, known for its vibrant colors and depiction of everyday life in Edo-era Japan. Created by the prolific artist Utagawa Kunisada, this print captures the energy and theatricality of kabuki, showcasing the elaborate costumes and dramatic poses of the actors. The scene depicts a group of actors engaged in a performance, with one actor playing a shamisen, a traditional Japanese musical instrument, and another holding a script. The print, a vertical *ōban* measuring 13 3/4 × 9 5/8 in., showcases Kunisada's mastery of depicting dynamic movement and emotion in a captivating composition.