Weather Clearing at Hirokoji- Actor Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Ushiwara Denji by Toyohara Kunichika

Weather Clearing at Hirokoji- Actor Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Ushiwara Denji Possibly 1865 - 1867

print, ink, color-on-paper, woodblock-print

portrait

muted colour palette

print

asian-art

ukiyo-e

japan

historical fashion

ink

color-on-paper

woodblock-print

orientalism

genre-painting

"Weather Clearing at Hirokoji - Actor Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Ushiwara Denji" is a woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika, a prominent artist of the late Edo period. The print depicts a scene from a kabuki play, likely featuring the actor Kawarazaki Gonjūrō I as Ushiwara Denji, a character known for his comedic and flamboyant nature. Kunichika's use of vibrant colors and detailed patterns, common in the *ukiyo-e* style, captures the energy and drama of the performance, making this print a fascinating glimpse into Japanese theatrical culture of the 19th century.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

⋮

Since the 17th century, The Eight Views–originally referring to scenic spots around the Chinese Xiao and Xiang Rivers–has been a well-established theme in Japanese art. Here, the eight locales are taken from famous places in the city of Edo (present-day Tokyo) and are juxtaposed with popular actors in the roles of well-known thieves and robbers. Kabuki plays on the underworld were popular during the mid-19th century, especially during the hot summer months when this series was put on the market, as the storylines were meant to give viewers a chill.