Autumn Moon at Sunamura- Actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Ōdera Shōbei by Toyohara Kunichika

Autumn Moon at Sunamura- Actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Ōdera Shōbei Possibly 1865 - 1867

print, ink, color-on-paper

cartoon like

egg art

print

pop art

japan

mural art

handmade artwork painting

ink

color-on-paper

spray can art

naive art

pop art-influence

watercolour illustration

cartoon style

This woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika depicts Nakamura Shikan IV, a famous kabuki actor, portraying the role of Ōdera Shōbei in the play "Autumn Moon at Sunamura". The print, likely created between 1865 and 1867, showcases Kunichika's skill in depicting the vibrant world of kabuki theater. It features a striking composition of the actor, adorned in colorful garments and holding a flute, set against a backdrop of a moonlit night. The use of bold colors and detailed lines contribute to the dramatic impact of the piece, typical of the *ukiyo-e* style, making it a captivating visual representation of the actor's performance.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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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.