Arashi Ryuzo as a Man Clad only in a Pale Blue Garment 1786 - 1806

This woodblock print, "Arashi Ryuzo as a Man Clad only in a Pale Blue Garment," by Katsukawa Shun'ei, depicts a famous kabuki actor, Arashi Ryuzo, in a dramatic pose. The actor is shown as a warrior, with his sword drawn and his eyes gazing downwards. The composition is simple, with the figure of Ryuzo dominating the center of the print. The print is a fine example of the "ukiyo-e" style, known for its realistic depictions of everyday life, as well as its dynamic and stylized use of color. This print was made between 1786 and 1806 and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY.