Actor Kataoka Nizaemon VIII as the demonic thief Orochimaru by Utagawa Kunisada

Actor Kataoka Nizaemon VIII as the demonic thief Orochimaru Possibly 1862

print, ink, color-on-paper

water colours

egg art

print

japan

handmade artwork painting

ink

color-on-paper

naive art

wall painting

art nouveau

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

cartoon carciture

watercolor

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, created by the renowned artist Utagawa Kunisada, depicts the renowned kabuki actor Kataoka Nizaemon VIII as the demonic thief Orochimaru. Kunisada, known for his dynamic portrayals of actors and dramatic scenes, captures the intensity of Orochimaru's character through his menacing expression and exaggerated costume. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details is typical of Kunisada's style, further enhancing the theatricality of the image.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Toyokuni's Drawings: A Magic Contest features kabuki actors juxtaposed to people, good or evil, that have supernatural powers. The motifs derive from popular legends, kabuki plays, or adventure novels that were well-liked in the mid-19th century. As this series was one-of-a-kind each print was published on thick paper with expensive pigments and special printing features like embossing and lacquer printing.