Artwork

Sawamura Gennosuke as Satsuma Gengobei

Sawamura Gennosuke as Satsuma Gengobei, by Utagawa Toyokuni I, 1805
Sawamura Gennosuke as Satsuma Gengobei, by Utagawa Toyokuni I, 1805

Sawamura Gennosuke as Satsuma Gengobei is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyokuni I. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print, Sawamura Gennosuke as Satsuma Gengobei, is a work by Utagawa Toyokuni, created around 1805. It is a Japanese woodblock print held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man in a black outfit with two crossed swords, conveying a serious expression. The crossed swords suggest a connection to a warrior or an actor portraying one.

Technique & Style

The bold use of black and white, along with a simple gray background featuring diagonal lines, is characteristic of the style of Japanese woodblock prints. The edges are framed by a black border adorned with fan shapes and swirls.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Toyokuni I

Artist

Utagawa Toyokuni I

Toyokuni was a born showman who made sure the energy of Edo’s kabuki stage never faded on paper.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.