(Four Portraits of Famous Kabuki Charcters of Edo) 1848

This 1848 woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, titled "(Four Portraits of Famous Kabuki Characters of Edo)," features four individual portraits of actors in Kabuki roles, each with detailed facial features and elaborate costumes. The print is a prime example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that depicted the everyday life of Edo-period Japan. The close-up portraits emphasize the dramatic nature of Kabuki performances, which were immensely popular in Edo at the time. The print’s vibrant colors and bold lines showcase the skilled craftsmanship of Kunisada, a master of ukiyo-e.