Artwork

Ichikawa Yaozo II as Soga no Goro

Ichikawa Yaozo II as Soga no Goro, by Katsukawa Shunshō, 1774
Ichikawa Yaozo II as Soga no Goro, by Katsukawa Shunshō, 1774

Ichikawa Yaozo II as Soga no Goro is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Katsukawa Shunshō's 'Ichikawa Yaozo II as Soga no Goro' (c. 1774) is a vibrant ukiyo-e print depicting a theatrical figure in dynamic pose, characterized by bold colors and intricate costume details.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Ichikawa Yaozo II, a renowned actor, portrayed as Soga no Goro, a character from traditional Japanese drama, likely kabuki. The depiction captures a pivotal moment in a play, conveying drama through the actor's expressive face and poised gesture.

Technique & Style

Executed in the ukiyo-e tradition, the print features Shunshō's mastery of color and composition. The use of white face paint, bold black eyeliner, and vibrant textiles (red sleeves, striped skirt) against a presumably simple background (not described) showcases the artist's emphasis on the performer's presence.

History & Provenance

Created around 1774, the print is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. Specific details about its creation context or previous ownership are not provided.

Context

This work reflects 18th-century Japan's flourishing kabuki theater and the popularity of actor prints (yakusha-e), which catered to the growing urban audience's interest in theatrical arts.

Legacy

As a representative of Shunshō's oeuvre, it contributes to the historical record of kabuki's golden age and the evolution of ukiyo-e, influencing subsequent generations of Japanese printmakers.

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.