Artwork

Arashi Rikan II as Kizu Kansuke; Ichikawa Ebijuro II as Horiguchi Manzaemon

Arashi Rikan II as Kizu Kansuke; Ichikawa Ebijuro II as Horiguchi Manzaemon is a print by the Romanticist artist Shigenao. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1829 by the Edo‑period artist Shigenao, this woodblock print depicts a staged combat between two theatrical figures. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and measures the dynamic interaction of the two combatants against a stylised backdrop of bamboo and a thatched roof.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays Arashi Rikan II in the role of the legendary warrior Kizu Kansuke and Ichikawa Ebijuro II as the samurai Horiguchi Manzaemon. The scene captures a moment of heightened tension, emphasizing the heroic virtues of bravery and skill celebrated in kabuki performance.

Technique & Style

Shigenao employs strong, black contour lines to delineate the figures, while the interior surfaces are rendered in flat, saturated hues. The contrast between the dark, crumpled armor and the bright, patterned robe, set against a darkened background, creates a striking visual separation typical of late‑Edo ukiyo‑e prints.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during the late Edo period, a time when actor portraiture flourished. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition, reflecting the museum’s broader efforts to represent Japanese printmaking.

Context

The work belongs to a genre of nishiki-e prints that commemorated popular kabuki actors and their roles. By depicting recognizable performers in iconic costumes, the print served both as a souvenir for theatergoers and as a visual record of contemporary popular culture.