Actors Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII as Eboshiori Motome (R) and Iwai Kumesaburō III as Princess Tachibana (L) Possibly 1852 - 1853

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, depicts actors Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII and Iwai Kumesaburō III in a scene from a Kabuki play. The vibrant colors and intricate details of their costumes are characteristic of Kunisada’s style. Known for his depictions of Kabuki actors and beautiful women, Kunisada was a master of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period. This print, likely dating from the mid-19th century, is a testament to the enduring popularity of Kabuki theater in Japanese culture. The print is a classic example of the ukiyo-e genre and depicts a scene from a popular Kabuki play, featuring two famous actors of the time, Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII and Iwai Kumesaburō III.