Artwork
三代目沢村宗十郎のくまの順礼十作、実は平重盛|The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō III as the Kumano Pilgrim Jissaku, actually Taira no Shigemori
三代目沢村宗十郎のくまの順礼十作、実は平重盛|The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō III as the Kumano Pilgrim Jissaku, actually Taira no Shigemori is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, created in 1785 by Katsukawa Shunshō, is part of a triptych depicting an actor in a dramatic role. It is currently held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Sawamura Sōjūrō III as a Kumano pilgrim, Jissaku, who is actually Taira no Shigemori, a historical figure. The actor's calm yet focused expression suggests deep contemplation.
Technique & Style
The print features bold patterns on the actor's robe, achieved through woodblock printing with ink and color on paper. Soft pinks and blues dominate, with a simple background hinting at trees and a road. Cross-hatching is used to create shading.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.
