Japanese Ukiyo-e Theater Scenes

Vivid woodblock prints capturing dramatic theatrical scenes with actors in traditional attire, displaying intense expressions and rich colors.

Tattooed Man, Kunisada (Toyokuni III), Utagawa (1786-1865)

Arashi Rikan III as Tôfû. Right sheet of a dipper. Arashi Rikan III as Tôfû, in the "Ono No Tôfû Aoyagi Suzuri", Wakadayû Theater, July 1848

Mori Ranmaru; One hundred warriors selected by Yoshitoshi; Kaidai Hyaku Senso. The bloody warrior Mori Ranmaru, with spear into hands, under a window.

Imaginary portrait, Shuihuzhuan of Stage: Tōryūdai (Mitate Suikoden Tōrōdai) - Actor Onoe Kikugorō plays as Kumon no Ryūkichi 1875 Toyohara Kunichika Japanese. Imaginary portrait, Shuihuzhuan of Stage: Tōryūdai (Mitate Suikoden Tōrōdai) - Actor Onoe Kikugorō plays as Kumon no Ryūkichi 55522

Takenouchi no Sukune () or Takeshiuchi no Sukune was a legendary Japanese hero-statesman, and is a Shinto kami. Takenouchi no Sukune was supposedly the son of Princess Kagehime, and is said to be grandson to Imperial Prince Hikofutdhimakoto no Mikoto. Also descended from Emperor Kgen, Takenouchi no Sukune served under five legendary emperors, Emperor Keik, Emperor Seimu, Emperor Chai, Emperor jin, and Emperor Nintoku, but was perhaps best known for his service as Grand Minister to the Regent Jingu, with whom he supposedly invaded Korea. While Jingu was regent to her son, Ojin, Takenouchi was accused of treason. In addition to his martial services to these emperors, he was reputedly also a saniwa, or spirit medium. Twenty-eight Japanese clans are said to be descended from Takenouchi no Sukune, including Takeuchi and Soga. He is a legendary figure, and is said to have drunk daily from a sacred well, and this helped him to live to be 280 years old. Further, he is enshrined

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (30 April 1839 - 9 June 1892) was a Japanese artist and Ukiyo-e woodblock print master. He is widely recognized as the last great master of Ukiyo-e, a type of Japanese woodblock printing. He is additionally regarded as one of the form's greatest innovators. His career spanned two eras - the last years of Edo period Japan, and the first years of modern Japan following the Meiji Restoration. Like many Japanese, Yoshitoshi was interested in new things from the rest of the world, but over time he became increasingly concerned with the loss of many aspects of traditional Japanese culture, among them traditional woodblock printing. By the end of his career, Yoshitoshi was in an almost single-handed struggle against time and technology. As he worked on in the old manner, Japan was adopting Western mass reproduction methods like photography and lithography. Nonetheless, in a Japan that was turning away from its own past, he almost singlehandedly managed to push the traditio

Japan, Fujiokaya Keijiro, Muramatsu Genroku, Fukushima Giemon, Hiroshige (I), Utagawa, Kunisada (I), Toto komei kaitei tsukushi, Famous Restaurants in the Eastern Capital, Sakugawa Yozaemon and the Joshichi Riverbank, Actor in the role of Sakugawa Yozaemon, with raised sword and a huge carp; cartouche with a view of a snowy river landscape. The actor is a design by Kunisada, the landscape by Hiroshige., print, prints, Japan (collection), height 365 mm, width 256 mm, Japanese, 1786 - 1865, print maker, printmaker, 1852 - 1852, third quarter 19th century, paper, nishiki-e, colour woodcut, colour woodblock, blind printing, 1797 - 1858, censor, Publication (Event), Publication, publisher

The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Lady Yaehata in the Play Sanga no Sho Haru no Hanayome, Performed at the Kiri Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1787 1782-1792 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban; left sheet of diptych . Katsukawa Shunko I

White, from the series Comparison of Five Colours from the Floating World. Date: 1843-1845. Dimensions: 38 cm x 26 cm. Museum: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Author: UTAGAWA KUNISADA.

The Actor Arashi Rikaki II in the Role of Kyoningyo (Kyoto Doll), one sheet of a triptych. Date: c. 1853. Dimensions: 37 cm x 26 cm. Museum: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Author: Kuniharu.

Tattooed Man, Kunisada (Toyokuni III), Utagawa (1786-1865)

Saito Kuranoshin Toshikazufrom the series 'Heroic stories of the Taiheiki (Taiheiki eiyuden). Date/Period: Ca.1847-50. Print. Nishiki-e, oban, colour woodblock print. Height: 35.80 mm (1.40 in); Width: 25 mm (0.98 in). Author: UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI.

Woman on meadow by Totoya Hokkei, colour woodcut, 1840s, 1780-1850, Russia, Moscow, State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, 19, 8x17, 7

Artist: Suzuki Harunobu, Japanese, 1725-1770, Parody of Sun Kang, also known as Snow by theWindow, Ukiyo-e picture calendar (egoyomi); polychrome woodblock print, sheet: 10 7/8 × 8 1/8 in. (27.7 × 20.7cm), Japan, Japanese, Edo period(1615-1868), Works on Paper -Prints

On a Balcony a Woman is Seated Playing a Tsuzumi, below a Man in Daimyo Costume is Seated upon a Black Lacquer Box. Artist: Torii Kiyonaga (Japanese, 1752-1815). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 15 1/8 x 10 1/8 in. (38.4 x 25.7 cm). Date: ca. 1790. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Inuzaka Keno Tanetomo from Story of Eight Dogs (Hakkenden) ca. 1830 Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese. Inuzaka Keno Tanetomo from Story of Eight Dogs (Hakkenden). Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797-1861). Japan. ca. 1830. Woodblock print; ink and color on paper. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

Woodcut. Date/Period: 1852. Woodcut. Height: 360 mm (14.17 in); Width: 240 mm (9.44 in). Author: UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI.

Print. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786-1865). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: Image: 13 3/4 × 9 5/8 in. (34.9 × 24.4 cm). Date: 19th century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Ebiya Restaurant: Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII in the role of Ebizako no Jū. Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (Japan, Edo, 1786-1865)Utagawa Hiroshige (Japan, Edo, 1797-1858). 1853, 1st month. Prints; woodblocks. Color woodblock print

Kunisada, B, C, work, Actors Onoe Baiko, Ichikawa Kodanji IV and Ichikawa Danjuro VIII in the play Genyadana (The Story of Yosaburo of Weakness), 1853, technique : color woodcut, graphics

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (30 April 1839 - 9 June 1892) was a Japanese artist and Ukiyo-e woodblock print master. He is widely recognized as the last great master of Ukiyo-e, a type of Japanese woodblock printing. He is additionally regarded as one of the form's greatest innovators. His career spanned two eras - the last years of Edo period Japan, and the first years of modern Japan following the Meiji Restoration. Like many Japanese, Yoshitoshi was interested in new things from the rest of the world, but over time he became increasingly concerned with the loss of many aspects of traditional Japanese culture, among them traditional woodblock printing. By the end of his career, Yoshitoshi was in an almost single-handed struggle against time and technology. As he worked on in the old manner, Japan was adopting Western mass reproduction methods like photography and lithography. Nonetheless, in a Japan that was turning away from its own past, he almost singlehandedly managed to push the traditio

The Actor Onoe Kikugorō III Viewing Chrysanthemums and Stream. Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japan, 1797-1861). Japan, circa 1850. Prints; woodblocks. Triptych; color woodblock prints

The Actors Ichikawa Ebizō V as the Outlaw Nippon Daemon (right) and Kataoka Gadō as Tokushima Gohei 1849 Gosōtei Hirosada 粽亭広貞 This print commemorates a performance of Ebizō V (shown on the right), one of the greatest Kabuki actors of the Edo stage of the nineteenth century, during a time he was performing in Osaka. It shows him as Nippon Daemon, one of the great roles of Japanese theater, waylaying a surprised opponent. In the world of Kabuki, Nippon Daemon was the leader of a band of honorable thieves who only stole from those who made money through corrupt means.. The Actors Ichikawa Ebizō V as the Outlaw Nippon Daemon (right) and Kataoka Gadō as Tokushima Gohei. Gosōtei Hirosada 粽亭広貞 (Japanese, active ca. 1819-63). Japan. 1849. Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; horizontal chūban. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

Portrait of Yokogawa Kanhei Munenori. Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797-1861). Calligrapher: Engraved by Yokogawa Horitake. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 14 5/8 in. (37.1 cm); W. 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm). Date: 1852. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

An Imaginary View of Arashi Rikan II as Iemon Confronted by an Image of the Murdered Oiwa on a Broken Lantern. Artist: Shunbaisai Hokuei (Japanese, died 1837). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: Image (ôban tate-e): 14 7/8 x 10 1/8 in. (37.8 x 25.7 cm). Date: 1832. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Fudo Myoo Threatening a Novice. Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japanese, 1839-1892). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: Overall (a): 14 3/4 x 10 in. (37.5 x 25.4 cm)Overall (b): 14 5/8 x 10 in. (37.1 x 25.4 cm)Overall (c): 14 15/16 x 10 1/16 in. (37.9 x 25.6 cm). Date: 1885.A legend about Abbot Yuten (1637-1718) of Zojoji Temple tells how, as a novice, he prayed for Fudo Myoo's aid to become a wise monk. He then dreamed that the statue of Fudo leaped down from its pedestal and made him swallow one of his swords; upon waking, he became an excellent cleric. In this scene, Fudo aims his sword at Yuten while the deity's attendants witness his magical power. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi was one of the great innovators of Meiji ukiyo-e; here, his triptych features an airy, theatrical type of composition associated with his late style, with a hint of the violence that characterized many of his earlier works. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The Actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Akechi Samenosuke, from the series "Seven Brilliant Heroes (Komei shichi yosei)". Tsukioka Yoshitoshi; Japanese, 1839-1892. Date: 1876. Dimensions: 35.3 x 23.6 cm (13 7/8 x 9 1/4 in.). Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Looking Observant: The Appearance of a Kyoto Waitress of the Meiji Era. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839-1892). 1888, May. Prints; woodblocks. Color woodblock print

Man with a buffalo HIROSHIGE, Ichiryusai (1797 1858)

Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō V in a Shibaraku Role, c. 1788, Katsukawa Shunshō, Japanese, 1726 - 1793, 18 7/8 x 9 1/4 in. (48 x 23.5 cm) (image)54 1/8 x 13 3/4 in. (137.5 x 35 cm) (mount) 40.5 cm W w/roller, Ink and color on silk, Japan, Nikuhitsu ukiyo-e, This painting depicts the famous kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō V (1741-1806) as the greater-than-life hero in the play 'Shibaraku.' In the story, a corrupt warlord and his henchmen terrify innocent people within a shrine precinct. The hero enters the scene via the hanamichi, a raised runway leading to the stage through the audience. In a fierce voice he shouts 'Shibaraku!' or 'Wait a moment!' causing the thugs to turn on him. The ensuing fight, with its swashbuckling bravura, is a favorite among kabuki enthusiasts. The dramatic costume, make-up and unusually long sword are all meant to convey his extraordinary strength and vehemence.

An Ichikawa actor. Three panels in a frame of black lacquer and silver fittings, as if it is a room screen. On the right an image of the actor Ichikaiwa Danjûrô IV (1711-1778) in the role of Shibaraku, against a golden background, in the other two panels a poem.

Schmidt, Georg Friedrich, inventor: Govaert Flinck, work, Girl and dog, 1766, etching, graphics, plate width 15 cm, plate height 19.3 cm, leaf width 15.5 cm, leaf height 20 cm, image width 14.2 cm, image height 17.9 cm

Japan, Kite with image of an actor, Kite with head of the actor Shikan, probably Nakamura Shikan III (1810-1847). Next to the text the numbers for the long months for the new year of the Monkey, 1836, are indicated in very small letters., print, prent, surimono, egoyomi (calendar sheet), prints, Japan (collection), height 116 mm, width 148 mm, print maker, prentmaker, 1836 - 1836, second quarter 19th century, paper, colour woodcut

Water Margin (known in Chinese as Shuihu Zhuan, sometimes abbreviated to Shuihu), also 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, 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, the story, set in the Song Dynasty, tells of how a group of 108 outlaws gathered at Mount Liang (or Liangshan Marsh) to form a sizable army before they are eventually granted amnesty by the government and sent on campaigns to resist foreign invaders and suppress rebel forces. In 1827, Japanese publisher Kagaya Kichibei commissioned Utagawa Kuniyoshi to produce a series of woodblock prints illustrating the 108 heroes of the Suikoden. The 1827-1830 series, called '108 Heroes of the Water Margin' or 'Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori', made Utagawa Kuniyoshi's famous.

Kunisada, B, work, Actors Nakamura Tomijuro II, Ichikawa Danjuro VIII and Nakasuke in the play Umeyanagi sakigake soshi (A Tale of Early Blooming Plum Trees and Willows), 1854, color woodblock print, major: graphics

Autumn Moon at Tōin: Hirai Inaba-no-kami Yasumasa and the Thief Hakamadare Yasusuke, April 1894, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi; Publisher: Katada Chōjirō, Japanese, 1839 - 1892, 13 7/8 × 9 7/8 in. (35.24 × 25.08 cm) (sheet, each, approx., vertical ōban triptych), Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, Japan, 19th century, This version of Yoshitoshis first Flute Player Triptych from 1868 was issued in 1894, after his death. It was revised and 'updated' and thus reflects the change in the market. The cartouche with the signature of Katsukawa Shuntei III, who had designed the background, was removed in the bottom left corner and replaced with a cartouche about the publisher of this reprint. Since three different variations of this reprint exist, it must have been rather popular among buyers. The earliest, shown here, shows Yasumasa with the flute in his hands, dressed in a blue coat. In the later versions this coat is rendered in an orange-yellow tone. A final version, perhaps from a

fine arts, Hiroshige Utagawa (1797 - 1858), Surimono (congratulation sheet), portrait of a actor, coloured woodcut, 19th century, private collection,

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII in The Role of Shibaraku Kunisada, UTAGAWA (1786 1864)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (January 1, 1798 - April 14, 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. He is associated with the Utagawa school. The range of Kuniyoshi's preferred subjects included many genres: landscapes, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, cats, and mythical animals. He is known for depictions of the battles of samurai and legendary heroes. His artwork was affected by Western influences in landscape painting and caricature.

The Actor Ichikawa Hakuen, one sheet of the triptych Snow at the Left Side of the Stage. Date: c. 1829. Dimensions: 38 cm x 26 cm. Museum: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Author: UTAGAWA KUNISADA.

Genre Figures, c. 1816. Takebe Sōchō (Japanese, 1760-1814). Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper; overall: 125.5 x 49.8 cm (49 7/16 x 19 5/8 in.). Though rarely mentioned in official histories, Socho was an accomplished painter whose talent is readily apparent to the modern eye. For his compositions he chose traditional Japanese stories or everyday events. This painting belongs to a triptych (set of three) that was recently converted from folding screen panels to hanging scrolls.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839 - June 9, 1892), also named Taiso Yoshitoshi, was a Japanese artist. He is widely recognized as the last great master of Ukiyo-e, a type of Japanese woodblock printing. He is additionally regarded as one of the form's greatest innovators. His career spanned two eras - the last years of feudal Japan, and the first years of modern Japan following the Meiji Restoration. Like many Japanese, Yoshitoshi was interested in new things from the rest of the world, but over time he became increasingly concerned with the loss of many outstanding aspects of traditional Japanese culture, among them traditional woodblock printing.

Matsumoto Koshiro IV and Nakayama Tomisaburo, the left hand sheet of a triptych entitled Six Actors Likened to the Immortal Poets ( Yakusha Rokkasen ) 1779-1789 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Kitagawa Utamaro

A female role actor with a scene of modern dress Genji behind. Colour woodcut by Kunisada, 1852.

Dai Rokuten, from the series Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue) 1893-1903 Japan. Color woodblock print . Tsukioka Kôgyo

Kitagawa Utamaro (ca. 1753 - October 31, 1806) was a Japanese printmaker and painter, who is considered one of the greatest artists of woodblock prints (ukiyo-e). He is known especially for his masterfully composed studies of women, known as bijinga. He also produced nature studies, particularly illustrated books of insects.

One of the Soga boys wandering in the mountains, from the series: Illustrated story about the revenge of the Soga brothers /Soga monogatari zue

fine arts, Hiroshige Utagawa (1797 - 1858), Surimono (congratulation sheet), portrait of a actor, coloured woodcut, 19th century, private collection,

Print. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786-1865). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: Image: 14 1/4 × 9 1/2 in. (36.2 × 24.1 cm). Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Japan, Takekawa Risaburô, Gekkô, Ogata, Bijin hana kurabe, Comparisons between beauties and flowers, Dancing woman, verso - stamped, Dancing woman with wisteria branch in left hand; in the background a folding screen with her silhouette in white and the image of a man with a bird of prey on his left hand., print, prints, Japan (collection), height 350 mm, width 238 mm, Japanese, 1859 - 1920, print maker, printmaker, 1887 - 1896, paper, gold powder, silver powder, colour woodcut, blind stamping, Publication (Event), Publication, publisher

Wadatsu Ryūō Tarō Masatatsu with Dragon and Assailant. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839-1892). Japan, 1866, 10th month. Prints; woodblocks. Color woodblock print

Revived heroes of the pictures ōtsu e / ōtsu e Utagawa, kuniyoshi (1797 1861)

The Actor Otani Hiroji III in an Unidentified Role. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1775-1785. Dimensions: 31 x 14.1 cm (12 3/16 x 5 9/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Kunisada, work, Actors Ichikawa Danjuro VII and Seki Sanjuro in the play Date kurabe O-Kuni Kabuki (Dance play about Date's love quarrel), 1829, colored woodcut, main class : graphics

Japan, Kunisada (II), Utagawa, Ichikawa Kodanji as Futamoto Daemon, verso - stamped, Bust portrait of the actor Ichikawa Kodanji in the role of Futamoto Daemon with sword, depicted in a blue cartouche, against a red background., print, engraving, prints, engravings, Japan (collection), height 360 mm, width 251 mm, Japanese, 1823 - 1880, print maker, printmaker, 1863 - 1866, third quarter 19th century, paper, nishiki-e, colour woodcut, colour woodblock print

Portrait of Tominomori Sukeyemon Masakata 1852 Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese. Portrait of Tominomori Sukeyemon Masakata 55724

Minamoto Yorimasa Preparing to Commit Suicide. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839-1892). Japan, 1883, December. Prints; woodblocks. Color woodblock print

A Branch of Plum (Umegoe) ca. 1845-46 Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese. A Branch of Plum (Umegoe). Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797-1861). Japan. ca. 1845-46. Woodblock print; ink and color on paper. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

Yaguchi Ferry Crossing (Yaguchi no watashiba), section of a sheet from the series "A Harimaze Mirror of Joruri Plays (Harimaze joruri kagami)". Utagawa Kuniyoshi; Japanese, 1787-1861. Date: 1854. Dimensions: 14.0 x 14.3 cm (5 1/2 x 5 5/8 in.). Color woodblock print; section of harimaze sheet. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Full Moon Coming with a Challenge, Yoshitoshi, Tsukioka

MAN (UKIYO INOSUKE) With a Manuscript next to a lantern, from the Series: JIDAI SEWA ATARI SUGATAMI Kunisada, UTAGAWA (1786 1864)

De Koekoek's call, 1887 - 1896 print Woman standing on veranda, overlooking the river; At the top right a cuckoo. paper color woodcut standing figure - AA - female human figure. river. loggia, verandah, porch

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro I 1660-1704 Katsushika Hokusai Japanese. The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro I 1660-1704 56177

Tetsuwa or Kanawa, from the series Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue) 1893-1903 Japan. Color woodblock print . Tsukioka Kôgyo

Woman Crouching with a Book (BAIKO), from the Series: Series of Contemporary Beauties, New Nishiki E /SHIN NISHIKI E TOSEI BIJIN AWASE Kunisada, UTAGAWA (1786 1864)

Fukami Jikyu in moonlight, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Noguchi Enkatsu, Akiyama Buemon, 1887

Chiyoda Castle (Album of Women). Artist: Yoshu (Hashimoto) Chikanobu (Japanese, 1838-1912). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: L. (page) 13 7/8 in. (35.2 cm); W. (page) 9 1/4 in. (23.4 cm). Date: 1895. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Japan: A Meiji Period triptych of Shiragi Saburo (1045-1127) and Tokiaki, from a series called 'Nihon Rekishi Kyokun Ga' (Lessons from Japan's History) by Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912), dated 1897

The Monkey King Songokū, from the Chinese novel Journey to the West probably 1824 Yashima Gakutei Japanese. The Monkey King Songokū, from the Chinese novel Journey to the West 54818

Bust portrait of Sakata Hangoro III .. The actor Sakata Hangoro III in the role of the villain Fujikawa Mizuemon, the hands in the sleeves; Against dark gray mica background. Scene from the Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga play, raised in Miyako-Za in 1794.

The revenge of the Forty-seven Ronin (Shi-ju-shichi-shi), also known as the Forty-seven Samurai, the Aki vendetta, or the Genroku Aki incident (Genroku aki jiken) took place in Japan at the start of the 18th century. One noted Japanese scholar described the tale as the country's 'national legend'. It recounts the most famous case involving the samurai code of honor, bushidi. The story tells of a group of samurai who were left leaderless (becoming ronin) after their daimyo (feudal lord) Asano Naganori was forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) for assaulting a court official named Kira Yoshinaka, whose title was Ki zuke no suke. The ronin avenged their master's honor after patiently waiting and planning for two years to kill Kira. In turn, the ronin were themselves ordered to commit seppuku for committing the crime of murder. With much embellishment, this true story was popularized in Japanese culture as emblematic of the loyalty, sacrifice, persistence, and honor that all good peopl

Katsushika Hokusai (October 31, 1760 - May 10, 1849) was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. He was influenced by such painters as Sesshu, and other styles of Chinese painting. Born in Edo (now Tokyo), Hokusai is best known as author of the woodblock print series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Sanjūroku-kei, c. 1831) which includes the internationally recognized print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, created during the 1820s. Hokusai created the 'Thirty-Six Views' both as a response to a domestic travel boom and as part of a personal obsession with Mount Fuji. It was this series, specifically The Great Wave print and Fuji in Clear Weather, that secured Hokusais fame both in Japan and overseas.

Sadaiye, from the series Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue) 1893-1903 Japan. Color woodblock print . Tsukioka Kôgyo

SEI SHônagon, 1846 print The banished Sugawara No Michizane, with his guard Terukuni behind him, looks around at the basket over which a red kimono is located. His daughter is hidden in the basket, who can see her father one last time in this way. Scene from a kabukitis piece. Poem by sei shônagon. paper color woodcut banishment, exile. prison personnel: jailers, warders, guards. hiding, hiding oneself

An Actor on Stage. Artist Unknown; Japanese. Date: 1715-1735. Dimensions: 31.6 x 21.7 cm. Album sheet mounted as hanging scroll. Ink and colors on paper. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Ibaraki. Print shows an elderly woman or demon, possibly Ibaraki of Rashomon, flying through the air. By Yoshitoshi Taiso.

Drawing SaltWater. Artist: Suzuki Harunobu, Japanese, 1725-1770

Mukojima miyamoto musashi, Utagawa, Kuniyoshi, 1798-1861, artist, 1852., 1 print : woodcut, color ; 36.4 x 24.8 cm., Print shows a head-and-shoulders portrait of the actor Miyamoto Musashi.

Shimosa Province: Asakura Togo and Hitachi Province: Oguri's Wife Kohagi, from the series "Modern Scenes of the Provinces in Edo Brocades (Edo nishiki imayo kuni zukushi)". Utagawa Kuniyoshi; Japanese, 1797-1861. Date: 1852. Dimensions: 37.1 x 24.9 cm (14 9/16 x 9 13/16 in.). Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Actors fighting under a red maple tree. Colour woodcut by Yoshitaki, early 1860s.

New year's game, 1844-1845, by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864), woodcut, Japan. Japanese Civilisation, Meiji period, 19th century.

Actor Matsumoto Kôshirô V (Matsumoto Kôshirô) as Funabashi Jirôzaemon. Utagawa, Kunisada I (1786-1864), graphic artist, Iwatoya, Kisaburô (Eirindô) (c. 1760s-1832), publisher

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Ito Sota. Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III); Japanese, 1786-1864. Date: 1853. Dimensions: . Color woodblock print; sheet from oban triptych. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Cooling Down in the Garden, left sheet of a triptych. Date: 1820-1829. Dimensions: 39 cm x 26 cm. Museum: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Author: UTAGAWA KUNISADA.

Bust portrait of Ichikawa Ebizo IV. The actor Ichikaiwa Ebizo IV, the hands in one; Against dark gray mica background. Scene from the play Koi Nyobo Somewake Tazuna, raised in the Kawarazaki-Za in 1794.

The Actors Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Karigane Bunshichi, Bando Mitsugoro I as An no Heibei, Ichikawa Danjuro V as Gokuin Sen'emon, Nakamura Sukegoro II as Kaminari Shokuro, and Sakata Hangoro II as Hotei Ichiemon (right to left), in "Gonin Otoko" (Five Chivalrous Commoners), an Interlude in Part Two of the Play Hatsumombi Kuruwa Soga (A Soga Drama on the First Festival Day in the Pleasure District), Performed at the Nakamura Theater from the First Day of the Second Month, 1780. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1775-1785. Dimensions: 31.3 x 14.5 cm (12 5/16 x 5 3/4 in.); 31.3 x 14.1 cm (12 5/16 x 5 9/16 in.); 31.3 x 14.5 cm (12 5/16 x 5 3/4 in.); 31.3 x 14.8 cm (12 5/16 x 5 13/16); 31.3 x 14.1 cm (12 5/16 x 5 9/16 in.) (right to left). Color woodblock print; hosoban; pentaptych. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Actor Ichimura Kakitsu IV as Hayano Kanpei (Hayano Kanpei), from the series "Thirty-six Selected Poems" (Mitate sanjurok ku). Toyohara, Kunichika (1835-1900), graphic artist, Horikô, Zenji, engraver, Masudaya, Ginjirô (1830s-c.1871), publisher

Disguised Immortal ca. 1766 Suzuki Harunobu Japanese. Disguised Immortal 44943

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (January 1, 1798 - April 14, 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. He is associated with the Utagawa school. The range of Kuniyoshi's preferred subjects included many genres: landscapes, beautiful women, Kabuki actors, cats, and mythical animals. He is known for depictions of the battles of samurai and legendary heroes. His artwork was affected by Western influences in landscape painting and caricature.

MIMASU GENNOSUKE I ALS GOSHAKU SOMEGORô, 1841 print Play player Mimasu Gennosuke I in the role of Goshaku Somegorô, in the piece "Ume no hatsuharu gojûsan-tsugi", staged in the Kado Theater in 1841. paper color woodcut portrait of actor, actress

Tôshûsai Sharaku (Copy); Tsutaya Jûzaburô / 'The Actor Segawa Ichimatsu III', 1794; 20th century, Japanese School, Paper, 375 mm x 255 mm, G05674. Museum: MUSEO DEL PRADO, MADRID, SPAIN.

Kintoki with a rooster and tengu, from the Yama mata yama" series; surimono. Hokkei, Totoya (1780-1850), graphic artist

Hanbu, from the series Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue) 1893-1903 Japan. Color woodblock print . Tsukioka Kôgyo

A Chinese scholar with a heron. Coloured woodcut by a Chinese artist.

The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo II casting a curse at the hour of the ox. Torii Kiyomasu II; Japanese, 1706 ()-1763 (). Date: 1745. Dimensions: 32.2 x 14.9 cm. Hand-colored woodblock print; hosoban, urushi-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Kunisada, B, C, work, Actors Nakamura Utaroku, Ichikawa Danjuro and Sawamura Gennosuke in the play Yoshitsune sembonzakura (A Thousand Cherry Trees), 1829, colored woodcut, graphics

The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kiso Kaid ( Kiso Kaid Rokujky-tsugi) or Sixty-nine Stations of the Kiso Road, is a series of ukiyo-e works created by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) and Keisai Eisen (1790-1848). There are 71 total prints in the series (one for each of the 69 post stations and Nihonbashi; Nakatsugawa-juku has two prints). The common name for the Kiso Kaid is 'Nakasend' or 'Central Mountain Highway', so this series is salso commonly referred to as the Sixty-nine Stations of the Nakasend. The Nakasend was one of the Five Routes constructed under Tokugawa Ieyasu, a series of roads linking the historical capitol of Edo with the rest of Japan. The Nakasend connected Edo with the then-capital of Kyoto. It was an alternate route to the Tkaid and travelled through the central part of Honsh, thus giving rise to its name, which means 'Central Mountain Road'. Along this road, there were sixty-nine different post stations (-shuku or -juku), which prov

The Story of Tamiya Bōtarō. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839-1892). Japan, 1886, March. Prints; woodblocks. Diptych; color woodblock prints

Edo, Chusuke, Kazusaya, Kunimasa, Utagawa, Yakusha gakuya tsu, A look behind the scenes with the actors, Ichikawa Danjuro, Love poem for Ichikawa Danjuro, Bust portrait of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VI, in striped kimono, with hand under his chin, depicted below a love poem addressed to him; page number four in the left margin. Page from the Japanese book Yakusha gakuya tsu., print, prints, Japan (collection), height 184 mm, width 127 mm, 1773 - 1810, print maker, printmaker, 1799 - 1799, fourth quarter 18th century, paper, colour woodcut, Publication (Event), Publication, publisher

The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō 3rd (Kinokuniya) ca. 1795 Utagawa Toyokuni I Japanese. The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō 3rd (Kinokuniya) 55641

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839 - 9 June 1892) one of the last great masters of the classical Japanese colour woodcut, here the work Jade Rabbit, Sun Wukong

of 3