Who painted 勝川春章画二代目小佐川常世|Kabuki Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II?

勝川春章画二代目小佐川常世|Kabuki Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II was painted by Katsukawa Shunshō in 1788.

Where can I see 勝川春章画二代目小佐川常世|Kabuki Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II?

勝川春章画二代目小佐川常世|Kabuki Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 勝川春章画二代目小佐川常世|Kabuki Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II?

勝川春章画二代目小佐川常世|Kabuki Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

勝川春章画二代目小佐川常世|Kabuki Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II

Katsukawa Shunshō , 1788

勝川春章画二代目小佐川常世|Kabuki Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Katsukawa Shunshō’s 1788 woodblock print depicts the kabuki performer Osagawa Tsuneyo II. Executed in the nishiki-e technique, the image presents the actor in a black kimono patterned with pink blossoms and green foliage, a red‑tied hat, and a sword at his side against a plain beige backdrop. The work is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Osagawa Tsuneyo II in a poised, solemn demeanor, emphasizing the actor’s status and the dramatic gravitas associated with his stage roles. The floral motifs on the kimono and the restrained color scheme convey a blend of elegance and martial readiness, reflecting the dual nature of many kabuki characters who combine refinement with combat.

Technique & Style

Created as a nishiki-e, the print employs multiple carved woodblocks to apply distinct colors, allowing for detailed patterns and subtle tonal variation. Shunshō’s line work defines the figure’s features, while the layered inks render the delicate pink flowers and the deep black of the garment, exemplifying the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of late‑eighteenth‑century ukiyo‑e.

History & Provenance

The image was produced during the peak of the Katsukawa school’s focus on actor portraiture, a genre that catered to the growing popularity of kabuki. After its original circulation among theater patrons, the print entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, where it remains a documented example of Edo‑period theatrical portraiture.