Artwork
Ichikawa Yaozo II as an Itinerant Peddler
Ichikawa Yaozo II as an Itinerant Peddler is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunkō. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ichikawa Yaozo II as an Itinerant Peddler is a print by Japanese artist Katsukawa Shunkō, dating to circa 1774. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Ichikawa Yaozo II, a figure portrayed in the guise of a traveling peddler. His attire, combining a yellow robe over brown undergarments, and contemplative expression, convey a sense of quiet introspection amidst a simple, muted landscape backdrop.
Technique & Style
The composition features earthy tones dominating the subject's clothing, set against a subdued natural background of trees and a low wall, characteristic of Shunkō's attention to nuanced, everyday scenes.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid-18th century, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here, highlighting the need for further research into its provenance.
Context
This work reflects the artistic tendencies of 18th-century Japan, where depictions of daily life and theatrical personalities (like Yaozo II) were popular. Shunkō's style aligns with the ukiyo-e movement, focusing on woodblock prints of contemporary life.
Legacy
As part of Shunkō's oeuvre, the print contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e in Japanese art history, influencing subsequent generations of artists in capturing the essence of everyday and theatrical subjects.
Artist & collection
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