Memorial Portrait of the Actor Ichikawa Ebizo V (Danjuro VII) 1859

This woodblock print, created in 1859 by an anonymous artist, depicts the famous Japanese kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo V (Danjuro VII). The image is a "memorial portrait" and would have been created in honor of the actor, possibly after his death. The print features the actor in a traditional costume, with a checkered robe, holding a string of prayer beads and a bouquet of flowers. The background of the print suggests the actor is in a mystical setting, as he is surrounded by clouds and a small pagoda. This piece is an example of ukiyo-e, which is a genre of Japanese art that depicts everyday life and popular culture.