Ichikawa Danjuro IX als Taira no Tomomori 1898

Toyohara Kunichika created this woodblock print of Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Taira no Tomomori in Japan during the late 19th century, a time of great social change. Kunichika’s work captured the popular culture of the Meiji era, particularly the Kabuki theatre. This print depicts the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX, a celebrated figure, in the role of Taira no Tomomori, a tragic military commander. The ghostly makeup and determined expression convey the drama of Kabuki, while the print itself reflects the rise of a commercial art market catering to urban audiences. Woodblock prints like these weren't just art; they were a form of publicity, connecting theatre to a broader public. Looking closely, we see how the artist used specific visual codes, such as the actor's makeup, the costume and the scenery, which would be familiar to Kabuki fans. These prints offer us a glimpse into the cultural values and entertainment of the time. To fully understand this print, we need to look into the history of Kabuki, the role of actors in Japanese society, and the economic forces that shaped the art world of Meiji Japan.