Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by Toyokuni III Utagawa in 1849.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

Toyokuni III Utagawa , 1849

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Toyokuni III Utagawa. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This woodblock print, created in 1849, is attributed to the ukiyo-e master Toyokuni III.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, created in 1849, is attributed to the ukiyo-e master Toyokuni III. It portrays the celebrated kabuki performer Ichikawa Danjuro VIII in the role of the warrior Kagekiyo, staged at the Kawarazaki-za theatre. The image forms part of the Harry Beard Collection, a notable assemblage of Japanese prints.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures Ichikawa Danjuro VIII embodying Kagekiyo, a legendary figure from the Heian period known for his martial prowess. By presenting a contemporary actor in a historic role, the print reflects the Edo‑period practice of commemorating popular performances and the cultural resonance of heroic archetypes within kabuki drama.

Technique & Style

Toyokuni III employed the traditional ukiyo-e woodblock method, using multiple carved blocks to apply distinct colors and fine line work. The print exhibits the bold outlines and dynamic poses characteristic of his workshop, while the delicate shading and patterned kimono fabrics demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship typical of mid‑nineteenth‑century prints.

History & Provenance

Issued in 1849 for the Kawarazaki‑za theatre, the print circulated as a promotional souvenir for audiences. It later entered the Harry Beard Collection, assembled by the American collector known for acquiring Japanese prints in the early twentieth century, and has since been referenced in scholarly catalogues of Toyokuni III's oeuvre.