Artwork
Ichikawa Raizo as Abe no Seimei
Ichikawa Raizo as Abe no Seimei is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitao Shigemasa. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1764 by the ukiyo‑e artist Kitao Shigemasa, this woodblock print portrays the celebrated kabuki performer Ichikawa Raizō in the role of the legendary onmyōji Abe no Seimei. The image is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art and exemplifies the mid‑Edo period’s fascination with theatrical portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is dressed in an elaborate, patterned kimono typical of a kabuki costume, holding a fan in one hand and a long staff in the other, symbols associated with the mystic Abe no Seimei. A faint smile and a confident stance convey the actor’s charisma, while the surrounding tree branch and parasol hint at a narrative setting drawn from the play.
Technique & Style
Shigemasa employs bold, clean lines and a restrained palette of flat colors, allowing the figure to dominate the composition. Subtle chiaroscuro effects create a sense of depth, especially around the folds of the robe and the staff, enhancing the dramatic impact without overwhelming the print’s characteristic simplicity.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition of Japanese prints. Its provenance traces back to private Japanese collections before crossing to the United States, reflecting the broader Western interest in ukiyo‑e during the early modern period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kitao Shigemasa (北尾 重政; 1739 – 8 March 1820) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist from Edo.
