Ichikawa Danjuro Ix Als Taira No Tomomori
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
This compelling image is a woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika, and it features the kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX in the role of Taira no Tomomori, a historical figure from the Genpei War in Japan. The artwork is vibrantly colored and richly detailed, characteristic of ukiyo-e prints from the Meiji period.In the print, the actor's face is strikingly expressive with bold kabuki makeup, including the red and blue lines that highlight dramatic emotions and character traits. His wild, flowing hair and intense glare add to the fierce portrayal of Taira no Tomomori. He is dressed in an elaborate samurai costume, adorned with intricate patterns and armor, which is typical for depictions of warriors in kabuki theater.The upper left corner of the print includes a smaller scene depicted in pale colors, showing a distant view of fleets--possibly a reference to a battle scene from the Genpei War, linking the subject of the print to a specific historical context.Overall, the print showcases Kunichika's talent in capturing the dynamic and theatrical representations that are a signature of kabuki theater, making it both a piece of historical storytelling and an artistic celebration of cultural performance.