The Actor Ichikawa Danzō IV in the Role of Ono Sadakurō 1771 - 1791

This woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei depicts the actor Ichikawa Danzō IV in the role of Ono Sadakurō. It was created in Japan in the late 18th or early 19th century, a period when Kabuki theater was a major cultural institution. The print presents a figure from a Kabuki play, capturing a specific moment of high drama. Ono Sadakurō, a villainous character, is shown in a state of emotional turmoil, suggested by his strained expression and posture. The falling rain and the bare branch above him add to the somber mood. Prints like these were not just records of theatrical performances; they were also a form of publicity, circulated among fans and used to promote actors and plays. The fame of actors was tied to the cultural and economic life of Japan. To fully appreciate this print, we can research the Kabuki theater of the Edo period, the role of actors in society, and the artistic conventions of ukiyo-e prints. In doing so, we understand the image not merely as a representation but as a product of its time.