Artwork

Ichikawa Yaozo II as Sakuramaru

Ichikawa Yaozo II as Sakuramaru, by Katsukawa Shunshō, 1776
Ichikawa Yaozo II as Sakuramaru, by Katsukawa Shunshō, 1776

Ichikawa Yaozo II as Sakuramaru is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ichikawa Yaozo II as Sakuramaru is a print by Katsukawa Shunshō, created in 1776. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a male figure in a checkered robe, barefoot and holding a fan, with another figure leaning in behind him. The foreground figure's arms feature tattoo-like designs of flowers and waves, suggesting a narrative or character role.

Technique & Style

The print is characterized by bold black lines defining the facial features and a simple background, resembling a curtain or roof. The style is reminiscent of a theater scene, typical of the artist's work in the ukiyo-e tradition.

Artist & collection

Artist

Katsukawa Shunshō

Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.