Japanese Theater Prints

Colorful woodblock prints illustrating Japanese theater actors in elaborate costumes, showcasing traditional performance elements and cultural motifs.

Man and woman linked by towel across prints., 1855, Woodcuts, Tissue backing; two prints mounted together, Paper/Sheet 14 x 10 1/16 in. (35.5 x 25.5 cm)

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Nakamura Tamasuke 1838 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III)

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Nakamura Kanjaku II. Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III); Japanese, 1786-1864. Date: 1861. Dimensions: 35.6 x 25.5 cm (14 x 10 in.). Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Hour of the Ox 2am (Ushi no koku), from the series The Twelve Hours in Yoshiwara (Seiro juni toki tsuzuki) 1789-1799 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Kitagawa Utamaro

The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Chinzei Hachiro Tametomo in the Play Hana-zumo Genji Hiiki, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1775 1770-1780 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban; right sheet of diptych . Katsukawa Shunsho

A Courtesan on Parade, Dressed in Many Robes. Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760-1849 Tokyo (Edo)). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 14 x 6 3/8 in. (35.6 x 16.2 cm). Date: 1760-1849. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Nakamura Tamashichi 1860 Enjaku By convention, “death prints” (shini-e) commemorating the passing of an actor usually show him garbed in light blue court robes. Nakamura Tamashichi (1836-1860) was an Osaka actor of great promise, whose untimely death at the age of twenty-four resulted in an outpouring of grief by Kabuki fans. Several memorial prints were issued, both by anonymous amateur artists as well as deluxe prints exhibiting the finest printing techniques, as this example by Enjaku.. Memorial Portrait of the Actor Nakamura Tamashichi. Enjaku (Japanese, active ca. 1850-70). Japan. 1860. Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; vertical chban. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

The Actor Ichikawa Komazo II as the Spirit of Lady Shiragiku in the Play Hatsu Midori Saiwai Soga, Performed at the Kawarazaki Theater in the Third Month, 1791. Katsukawa Shun'ei; Japanese, 1762-1819. Date: 1786-1796. Dimensions: 31.7 x 14 cm (12 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Actor Ogawa Tsunezo II in a Female Role Katsukawa Shunsho (Japanese, 1726-1793). The Actor Ogawa Tsunezo II in a Female Role, 1782. Color woodblock print on paper, 12 15/16 x 5 13/16 in. (32.7 x 15.0 cm). Asian Art 1782

The Actor Ichimura Takenojo IV as Kanaya Kingoro in the play "Ima wa Mukashi Omokage Soga," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the fifth month, 1737. Torii Kiyomasu II; Japanese, 1706 ()-1763 (). Date: 1737. Dimensions: 31.0 x 15.0 cm (12 1/4 x 5 7/8 in.). Hand-colored woodblcok print; right sheet of hosoban diptych, urushi-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Third Azuma Tozo as a Woman in a Black Kimono. Artist: Katsukawa Shunsho (Japanese, 1726-1792). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 12 5/8 x 5 2/3 in. (32.1 x 14.4 cm). Date: probably 1782. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Wakamurasaki of the Kadotamaya ca. 1800 Chksai Eish Japanese. Wakamurasaki of the Kadotamaya. Chksai Eish (Japanese, 1793-99). Japan. ca. 1800. Woodblock print; ink and color on paper. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

Busteportret Van Osagawa tsuneyo II., Toshusai Sharaku, 1794 print The actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II in women's role as the mother of Shigenoi; Against dark gray mica background. Scene from the play Koi Nyobo Somewake Tazuna, staged in the Kawarazaki-Szie in 1794. print maker: Japanpublisher: Tokyo paper. nishiki-e / color woodcut portrait of actor, actress

De Acteur Jitsukawa Ensaburô ALS Oguri Hangan, 1848 print paper color woodcut actor (on the stage). head-gear

Vrouw bij een Haaven, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, c. 1825 - c. 1830 A woman stands on a road near the harbor in the bay of Edo, known as ôkido at Takanawa south of the city. With one poem. Left leaf of a diptych. Japan paper color woodcut

The Actor Onoe Matsusuke I as Yawata no Saburo ( ) in the Play Edo no Hana Mimasu Soga ( ), Performed at the Nakamura Theater ( ) in the First Month, 1783 ( ) 1778-1788 Japan

One of the Sanjurokkasen, Album Leaf Painting One of the Sanjurokkasen, Album Leaf Painting, 19th century. Album leaf, ink and color on paper, 11 3/8 x 14 1/8 in. (28.9 x 35.9 cm). Asian Art 19th century

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Ichimura Takenojo V. Utagawa School; Japanese, 19th century. Date: 1851. Dimensions: . Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Woman Beside an Anchor; from the series Five Pictures of Low Tide, late 1820s. Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797-1861). Color woodblock print; sheet: 21.2 x 18.4 cm (8 3/8 x 7 1/4 in.).

Chrysanthemum Boy 1796-1807 Japan. Color woodblock print; aiban . Kitagawa Utamaro

Nakamura Tomijuro in women's role. The actor Nakamura Tomijiro in woman role, in kimono with chrysanthemum pattern, standing with dog next to low table on which crockery; Via sliding doors view of a veranda and maple branches.

Two actors with telraf, Torii Kiyohiro, 1752 print Nakamura Tomijuro in the role of the Courtisane Kisegawa, with a lifting window in the left hand, standing next to Sanokawa Ichimatsu in the role of EMA Koshiro, with two swords and a fan. print maker: Japanpublisher: Tokyo paper color woodcut abacus, counting-frame

The Courtesans, from the series, "Seiro Bijin Awase Carver End Shigoro" (sic) ca. 1765 Suzuki Harunobu Japanese. The Courtesans, from the series, "Seiro Bijin Awase Carver End Shigoro" (sic). Suzuki Harunobu (Japanese, 1725-1770). Japan. ca. 1765. Woodblock print; ink and color on paper. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

Tokyo, Fugaku Honsha, Takamizawa, Kôshirô, Onchi, Nihon jozokusen, Feminine customs in Japan, After the bath, verso - stamped, Woman with a bowl containing bath utensils in her right hand between the blue entrance curtains of a bathhouse., print, prints, Japan (collection), height 266 mm, width 250 mm, height 332 mm, width 263 mm, Japanese, 1871-07-02 - 1955-06-03, print maker, printmaker, 1946 - 1946, second quarter 20st century, second quarter 20th century, paper, color woodcut, printer, Publication (Event), Publication, publisher

Print. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786-1865). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: Image: 13 5/8 × 9 1/2 in. (34.6 × 24.1 cm). Date: 19th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The Actor Bando Matataro IV as Bando Taro in the Play Gohiiki Kanjincho, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1773. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1768-1778. Dimensions: 32.1 x 14.9 cm (12 5/8 x 5 7/8 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban; left sheet of diptych (). Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Bust portrait of a samurai. A bust portrait of actor Ichikaiwa Danjûrô VII (1791-1859) in the role of Samurai Iga No Jutarô with raised sword. Scene from the play Yama Mata Yama Hana No Yamagatsu, which was performed in EDO in 1823 in the Ichimura Theater. With three poems, including one of the actor himself: "It fills me with great joy when I look at the air and see a kite with the Mimasu weapon." The Mimasu weapon is the family sign of the Ichikawa family.

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The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Shira-giku, a Temple Page, In the Play Haru wa Soga Akebono-zoshi, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the First Month, 1772 1767-1777 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as a Boy Blowing on His Hands beside a Large Snowball, in the Play Nigiwai Genji Hana Saku Kado, Performed at the Kawarazaki Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1793. Katsukawa Shun'ei; Japanese, 1762-1819. Date: 1788-1798. Dimensions: 30.9 x 13.8 cm (12 3/16 x 5 7/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban; left sheet of diptych. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Yatō Yomoshichi Norikane standing with a spear and bowl, board 3. From the series: Biographies of the faithful Roninów / Seichū Gishi Den Utagawa, kuniyoshi (1797 1861)

Kyoto Courtesan of the Shimabara, from an untitled series of the three capitals 1820-1840 Japan. Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono . Yashima Gakutei

Arashi hinaji no jorurigozen, The actor Arashi Hinaji in the role of Joruri Gozen., Torii, Kiyotsune, artist, between 1764 and 1772, 1 print : woodcut, color ; 29.2 x 13.7 cm., Print shows actor Arashi Hinaji in an onnagata role as the princess Joruri Gozen, standing on a veranda, holding a lantern.

The Actor Asao Gakujūrō I (previously Yūjirō I) as Mashiba Hisatsugu 1822 Shunkōsai Hokushū 好斎北洲 With glaring eyes and striking a defiant pose, the Osaka-based Kabuki actor Asao Gakujurō is shown as the samurai Mashiba Hisatsugu firmly grasping the hilt of his sword, ready to attack. Gakujūrō is captured here in a role from the play “The Golden Gate and the Paulownia Crest” (Kinmon gosan no kiri). The play relates the dastardly exploits of the rōnin (masterless samurai) Ishikawa Goemon, who seeks revenge against Mashiba Hisayoshi, a character based on the historical Hideyoshi—and who is the archenemy of his adoptive and natural fathers. The character’s robe is decorated with paulownia leaf motifs to which gourd tassels are attached. The two poems, one by the actor himself, commemorate his taking a new stage name.. The Actor Asao Gakujūrō I (previously Yūjirō I) as Mashiba Hisatsugu. Shunkōsai Hokushū 好斎北洲 (Japanese, active 1808-32). Japan. 1822. Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and c

Kabuki Actors Nakamura Gentaro and Ikushima Shingoro ca. 1710 Torii Kiyomasu I Japanese Torii artists dominated the production of prints of Kabuki actors. To enliven those done in ink, red and yellow pigments were often directly brushed onto the prints (tan-e) about the time of the Genroku and Shotoku eras (1688-1716). Colors were added within the printed outlines of the costumes. Vibrant, expressive ink lines convey a freedom of spirit and a sense of emotion. In a manner unique to the early ukiyo-e style, Kiyonobu and Kiyomasu animated robes with fluid lines, swirling patterns, and boldly designed motifs to suggest their wearers' vitality.. Kabuki Actors Nakamura Gentaro and Ikushima Shingoro 37104

Print : woodcut colour of Segwa tomisaburo, as yadorigi, wife of ogishi kurando by Sharaku Toshusai, active 1794. Print shows Tomisaburo Segawa, an actor, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing right, in the role of Yadorigi, the wife of Kurando Ogishi.

Ushiwaka-maru in Armor 19th century Utagawa Toyokuni I Japanese. Ushiwaka-maru in Armor 53981

The First Nakamura Nakazo in the Role of Ko no Moronao. Artist: Katsukawa Shunko (Japanese, 1743-1812). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 11 15/32 x 5 in. (29.1 x 12.7 cm) (trimmed). Date: June 1786. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The actor Segawa Kikunojo in the role of a woman, from the series: Portraits of actors on the stage /Yakusha butai sugata e Utagawa, toyokuni (1769 1825)

The Actor Ichikawa Raizo II as Murakami Hikoshiro Yoshiteru in the Play Oyoroi Ebido Shinozuka, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1772 1767-1777 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

Lady with brazier, 1770, Woodcuts, Page from book

The Actor Yamashita Kinsaku II as Nijo no Kisaki ( ) in the Play Natsu Matsuri Naniwa Kagami ( ), Performed at the Morita Theater ( ) in the Seventh Month, 1770 ( ) 1765-1775 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Ippitsusai Buncho

The Interesting Type (Omoshiroki so), from the series "Ten Types in the Physiognomic Study of Women" ("Fujin sogaku juttai"). Kitagawa Utamaro ; Japanese, 1753 ()-1806. Date: 1787-1798. Dimensions: 36.9 x 25.0 cm. Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Yukidama o tsukuru musume, Young lady making a snowball., Torii, Kiyomitsu, 1735-1785, artist, 176-, 1 print : woodcut, color ; 38.3 x 16.9 cm., Print shows a young woman, wearing high geta and a kimono with hat designs, rolling a large snowball.

A lady half kneeling and writing on a sheet balanced on her knee., 1770, Woodcuts, Page from book

Act Day nan is nanrian higroo I spyer man, Vauoka, 1770 print Actor with bare chest, barefoot standing in front of a open window. Japan paper color woodcut portrait of actor, actress. partially clothed

Japan: Wang Ying or Waikyakuko Oei, one of the 'One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Water Margin', drawing his sword beside a river. Woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1863), 1827-1830. The Water Margin (known in Chinese as Shuihu Zhuan, sometimes abbreviated to Shuihu, known as Suikoden in Japanese, as well as Outlaws of the Marsh, Tale of the Marshes, All Men Are Brothers, Men of the Marshes, or The Marshes of Mount Liang in English, is a 14th century novel and one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Attributed to Shi Nai'an and written in vernacular Chinese.

Enjoying Plum Blossom Viewing in the Spring Haze, the Boy Kumoi no Jo, central sheet of a triptych. Date: tenth month 1858. Dimensions: 37 cm x 26 cm. Museum: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Author: UTAGAWA KUNISADA.

Leaf from Album of Actor Portraits, c. 1790-1810. Shōrakusai (Japanese). Album of 25 leaves; ink and color on silk; painting only: 21.8 x 17.6 cm (8 9/16 x 6 15/16 in.); each page: 28.1 x 21 cm (11 1/16 x 8 1/4 in.).

The Second Nakamura Sukegoro as an Outlaw ca. 1771 Katsukawa Shunshō　川春章 Japanese. The Second Nakamura Sukegoro as an Outlaw 36868

The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX 1769 (early) Kitao Shigemasa Japanese. The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX 56831

Kunisada, work, Actor Ichikawa Danzo VI in the play Dan-no-ura Kabuto gunki (Battle of Dan-no-ura), 1857, colored woodcut, graphics

Famous places in the eastern capital: enjoying an evening breeze at the Ryogoku bridge; Toto Meisho Ryogoku No Yusuzumi. Woman in black white checkered summer kimono, walking on the shore of a pressure sailing river, among willow branches, in the wind. (Bijinga)

Toyokuni I, work, Actor Kataoka Nizaemon VII in the play Azuma Kagami (History of the Soga family), (1817), color woodcut, graphic

Bust portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VI. The actor Ichikaiwa Danjuro VI with towel around the neck; Against gray background.

Woman Combing HerHair. Artist: Hashiguchi Goy?, Japanese, 1880-1921

Shunkōsai Hokushū, who is also known as Shunkō IV, was a designer of ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock prints in Osaka who was active from about 1802 to 1832. He is known to have been a student of Shōkōsai Hambei, and may have also studied with Hokusai. He used the name Shunkō until 1818, when he changed his name to 'Shunkōsai Hokushū'. He was the most important artist in Osaka during the 1810-20s and established the Osaka style of actor prints.

The Actor Onoe Tamizo I as Sotoku Taishi () Disguised as a Young Building Worker, in the Play Shitenno-ji Nobori Kuyo, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eighth Month, 1773. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1768-1778. Dimensions: 29.4 x 13 cm (11 9/16 x 5 1/8 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban; right sheet of diptych. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada, Japanese, 1786-1865, Theatre costumebearer, mid-1820s, Surimono, polychrome woodlock print;, sheet: 8 7/16 × 7 1/16 in. (21.5 × 18cm), Japan, Japanese, Edo period(1615-1868), Works on Paper -Prints

Irezumi (れ墨, 墨, 紋身, 刺花, 剳青, 黥 or 刺青) is a Japanese word that refers to the insertion of ink under the skin to leave a permanent, usually decorative mark; a form of tattooing. The word can be written in several ways, each with slightly different connotations. The most common way of writing irezumi is with the Chinese characters れ墨 or 墨, literally meaning to 'insert ink'. The characters 紋身 (also pronounced bunshin) suggest 'decorating the body'. 剳青 is more esoteric, being written with the characters for 'stay' or 'remain' and 'blue' or 'green', and probably refers to the appearance of the main shading ink under the skin. 黥 (meaning 'tattooing') is rarely used, and the characters 刺青 combine the meanings 'pierce', 'stab', or 'prick', and 'blue' or 'green', referring to the traditional Japanese method of tattooing by hand.

Oiran () were the courtesans of Edo period Japan. The oiran were considered a type of yujo () 'woman of pleasure' or prostitute. However, they were distinguished from the yujo in that they were entertainers, and many became celebrities of their times outside the pleasure districts. Their art and fashions often set trends among the wealthy and, because of this, cultural aspects of oiran traditions continue to be preserved to this day. The oiran arose in the Edo period (1600-1868). At this time, laws were passed restricting brothels to walled districts set some distance from the city center. In the major cities these were the Shimabara in Kyoto, the Shinmachi in Osaka, and the Yoshiwara in Edo (present-day Tokyo). These rapidly grew into large, self-contained 'pleasure quarters' offering all manner of entertainments. Within, a courtesan’s birth rank held no distinction, which was fortunate considering many of the courtesans originated as the daughters of impoverished families who wer

Portrait of Yato Fumoshichi Norikane 1852-53 Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese. Portrait of Yato Fumoshichi Norikane 44999

The Actor Sakata Hangoro II Katsukawa Shunsho (Japanese, 1726-1793). The Actor Sakata Hangoro II, ca. 1780. Color woodblock print on paper, 13 x 5 1/2 in. (33 x 14 cm). Asian Art ca. 1780

Bust portrait of Ichikawa Yaozo III Tachibanaya Chusha (title on object), The actor Ichikawa Yaozo III in the role of Hachimantaro Yoshiie, with fan in right hand, against yellow background. Scene from the play Otokoyama o edo no ishizue, performed at Kiri-za in 1794, Ichikawa Yaozo III, Toshusai Sharaku (mentioned on object), 1794, paper, colour woodcut, h 322 mm × w 229 mm

Twenty-Four Hours at Shinbashi/Yanagibashi: 12 Noon. (Shinyanagi nijūyo-ji, gozen jūni-ji) 1880 Tsukioka Yoshitoshi Japanese. Twenty-Four Hours at Shinbashi/Yanagibashi: 12 Noon. (Shinyanagi nijūyo-ji, gozen jūni-ji) 73626

Portrait of Kabuki theater actor, ukiyo-e by Utagawa Toyokuni (1769-1825), woodcut. Japanese civilization, Edo period (1603-1868).

Parody of Kawachi-goe from Tales of Ise 1765 Japan. Color woodblock print; right sheet of chuban diptych (left sheet 1925.2025) . Suzuki Harunobu

Nakamura Utaemon IV as Karaki Masaemon (From the series A Tale of Valor at Iga Pass), c. 1850. Gosōtei Hirosada (Japanese). Color woodblock print; sheet: 24.8 x 17.8 cm (9 3/4 x 7 in.).

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Bando Shuka I. Utagawa School; Japanese, 19th century. Date: 1855. Dimensions: . Color woodblock print; left sheet of oban diptych. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Shinanoya Ohan in the Play Kabuki no Hana Bandai Soga, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Third Month, 1781. Katsukawa Shunjo; Japanese, died 1787. Date: 1776-1786. Dimensions: 31.7 x 14.6 cm (12 1/2 x 5 3/4 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Ôgiya Hanaôgi = Ôgiya Hanaôgi (picture riddle). 1795. Kitagawa, Utamaro, 1753-1806. Prints. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection. Courtesans

Osagawa Tsuneyo II as the hairdresser O-Roku 1794-95 Tōshūsai Sharaku Japanese. Osagawa Tsuneyo II as the hairdresser O-Roku 37380

Hirano Hakuho was an artist of the Shin Hanga movement. Shin hanga ('new prints') was an art movement in early 20th-century Japan, during the Taishō and Shōwa periods, that revitalized traditional ukiyo-e art rooted in the Edo and Meiji periods (17th-19th century). The movement flourished from around 1915 to 1942, though it resumed briefly from 1946 through the 1950s. Inspired by European Impressionism, the artists incorporated Western elements such as the effects of light and the expression of individual moods, but focused on strictly traditional themes of landscapes (fukeiga), famous places (meishō), beautiful women (bijinga), kabuki actors (yakusha-e), and birds and flowers (kachōga).

Prowline: Female half figure, from: The first plum (Ume No Sakigake). .

Sawamura tossho no shirai gonpachi, Sawamura Tossho as Shirai Gonpachi., Toyohara, Kunichika, 1835-1900, artist, between 1865 and 1870, 1 print : woodcut, color ; 36.9 x 25.2 cm., Print shows actor Sawamura Tossho, half-length portrait, facing right, in the role of Shirai Gonpachi, a samurai turned outlaw, about to draw his sword.

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III in an Unidentified Role. Katsukawa Shunko I; Japanese, 1743-1812. Date: 1781-1792. Dimensions: 31.7 x 14.8 cm (12 1/2 x 5 13/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Courtesan Hitomoto from the Daimonjiya House Daimonjiya uchi Hitomoto (title on object), Bust portrait of Courtesan Hitomoto in green and red kimono, holding her sleeve to the mouth. Top left, next to the title, the names of her two assistants (kamuro) Senkaku and Banki. (bijinga), Kitagawa Utamaro (mentioned on object), Japan, c. 1795 - c. 1800, paper, colour woodcut, h 383 mm × w 259 mm

Iwai shijyaku no kiku no mae, The actor Iwai Shijaku in the role of Kikunomae., Utagawa, Kuniyasu, 1794-1832, artist, between 1810 and 1830, 1 print : woodcut, color ; 38.4 x 25.1 cm., Print shows Iwai Shijaku, full-length portrait, standing, facing left.

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as the Renegade Monk Wantetsu of Okami-dani in the Play Date Nishiki Tsui no Yumitori, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1778 1773-1783 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

Standing prostitute wearing a kimono with plum-blossom motif, c. 1715, Kaigetsudō Anchi, Japanese, active c.1700-1716, 37 3/16 x 15 3/8 in. (94.5 x 39 cm) (image)73 1/4 x 21 1/4 in. (186 x 54 cm) (mount) W 57 cm w/roller, Ink and color on paper, Japan, Nikuhitsu ukiyo-e, Artists of the Kaigetsudō school, whose designs dominated the market during the early 18th century, specialized in depicting beautiful women from the 'floating world.' Unlike the reserved paintings by the so-called 'Kanbun masters' of the 1660s and 70s, Kaigetsudō artists created a bolder ideal, portraying women of overt glamour and haughty sensuality.

One of the Sanjurokkasen, Album Leaf Painting One of the Sanjurokkasen, Album Leaf Painting, 17th century. Album leaf, ink and color on paper, 12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm). Asian Art 17th century

"Hanaogi of the Gomeiro," from the series Comparing the Charms of Beauties (Bijin kiryo kurabe: Gomeiro Hanaogi). Artist: Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, ca. 1754-1806). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 14 15/16 in. (37.9 cm); W. 9 11/16 in. (24.6 cm). Date: 1794-95.Characterizations of women were Utamaro's great contribution to Japanese art. In the large head-portraits he executed, he used the hands and eyes of a sitter to indicate temperament. In this portrait of an unidentified courtesan, we can tell much about the woman's character. Her head juts forward in a determined way, revealing a long and well-groomed neck. Her hair is fashionably dressed with seven pins, her face plump, with resolute eyes set straight ahead. But it is perhaps her hands, tucked beneath the commanding obi, that reveal most--by not being visible. Courtesans announced their profession by tying the obi in front. When sumptuary laws were passed to control the lavishness of clothes, obi were not mentioned, and they be

Wanting to Meet Someone: A Courtesan of the Kaei Period (1848-1853). Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839-1892). Japan, 1888, October. Prints; woodblocks. Color woodblock print

The Waitress Okita of the Naniwaya. Katsukawa Shuncho; Japanese, active c. 1780-1801. Date: 1787-1798. Dimensions: 38.8 x 25.8 cm. Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

The Actor Ichikawa Danzo III as the holy hermit Narukami in the play "Narukami", performed with "Miyakodori Azuma Komachi (Bird of the Capital: Komachi of the East)" at the Morita Theater in the third month, 1768. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1763-1773. Dimensions: 31.1 x 15.1 cm (12 1/4 x 5 15/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

The Actor Otani Hiroemon III as Hige no Ikyu in the scene Sukeroku” in the play Hitokidori Harutsuge Soga ( The Soga Play Announcement of the Spring Season by the Bush Warbler ) 1759-1769 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban; left sheet of diptych ( ) . Katsukawa Shunsho

Portrait of Taiso Yoshitoshi, June 1892, Kanaki Toshikage; Publisher: Akiyama Buemon, Japanese, active c. 1868 - 1892, 14 5/8 × 9 13/16 in. (37.15 × 24.92 cm) (sheet, vertical ōban), Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan, 19th century, This portrait shows the artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) who lived during a time of drastic and disruptive social change in Japan and is considered the last major ukiyo-e artist. Born into a merchant family he initially designed beautiful women and actors in the Utagawa school style he was trained in but then shifted towards realism. In 1858, he became an independent artist and focused on historical subjects. He gained a reputation as a 'war artist' through his depictions of violence.

The Actor Ichikawa Omezo I as Kamei Rokuro Disguised as the Servant Dadahei in the Play Kimmenuki Genke no Kakutsuba, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1791 1786-1796 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban; left sheet of diptych ( ) . Katsukawa Shun'ei

The Actor Nakamura Riko I as Moshio () in the Play Honda Yayoi Meoto Junrei (), Performed at the Ichimura Theater () in the Seventh Month, 1778 (). Katsukawa Shunko I; Japanese, 1743-1812. Date: 1773-1783. Dimensions: 31.9 x 14.8 cm (12 9/16 x 5 13/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Courtesan Kasugano of the Sasaya, Eisho, Chokosai, 1795

No 4 Personally Arranged Flower (Teike no hana), from the series A Comparison of Flowers (Hana awase) 1826-1829 Japan. Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono . Yanagawa Shigenobu II

The Actor Onoe Matsusuke I in an Unidentified Role 1780-1784 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

Willow Shop (Yanagiya), from the series A Series of Willows (Yanagi bantsuzuki) 1823-1833 Japan. Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono . Totoya Hokkei

A Woman Peddler of Needles and Thread. Hanegawa Chincho; Japanese, 1679 ()-1754. Date: 1725-1735. Dimensions: 24.2 x 16.1 cm (9 1/2 x 6 5/16 in.). Hand-colored woodblock print; koban, beni-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA. Author: Hanegawa Chincho.

Nakamura Utaemon III as Taira no Kiyomori 1812 Utagawa Toyokuni I Japanese. Nakamura Utaemon III as Taira no Kiyomori. Utagawa Toyokuni I (Japanese, 1769-1825). Japan. 1812. Woodblock print with metallic pigment and lacquer details. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

Acteur Otani HIROEMON III ALS Schurk, Katsukawa Shunsho, 1773-1777 print Actor, in green and orange kimono on which circular patterns, with a sword in the left hand looking at packed object on the table. Japan paper color woodcut portrait of actor, actress. hacking and thrusting weapons: sword

. Color woodblock print; chuban . Utagawa Toyokuni I

The 'ox woman' pictured here was a sideshow attraction at Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine, Fukuoka prefecture, in the mid-18th century. The armless lady entertained audiences by using her peculiar feet to run string through the center holes of coins. The Kaikidan Ekotoba is a mid-19th century handscroll that profiles 33 legendary monsters and human oddities, mostly from the Kyushu region of Japan, but with several from other countries, including China, Russia and Korea. The document, whose author is unknown, is in the possession of the Fukuoka City Museum.

Acteur Ichikawa Ebizo II in Een Shibaraku Rol, Katsukawa Shunsho, 1772 print Actor in red robe on which white square family crest with Langoustine, referring to his name. Print on the occasion of the name change of the actor: from Matsumoto Koshiro II to Ichikawa Ebizo II. Japan paper color woodcut portrait of actor, actress

Dragon rises from a range. A woman paints a dragon on a range that seems to fly away. Or is it also a dragon on the room screen where she is next to it On the ground a paint box, paper and brushes. On the left a box with unpainted fans. With one poem.

Japan, Ononaga, Bunkinsha, Funatsumi, Bunkôsha, Bunsôsha, Matsutoshi, Kunisada (I), Utagawa, Katsushika Shitennô, The four loyal vassals for the Katsushika poets' association, woman sitting at an offering table, Actor Osagawa Tsuneyo IV plays Sonô, the wife of Raikô, sitting at an offering table. With three poems., print, prent, surimono, prints, Japan (collection), height 208 mm, width 186 mm, Japanese, 1786 - 1865, print maker, printmaker, 1834 - 1834, second quarter 19th century, paper, colour woodcut, colour woodblock, polishing, poet

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