Japanese Woodblock Prints of Actors

A collection of historical Japanese woodblock prints featuring actors in traditional costume, dramatic poses, and theatrical settings, showcasing rich colors and intricate details.

Asahina Saburô, The actor Seki Sanjûrô II (1786-1839) in the role of Asahina Saburô in the play about the Soga brothers. Saburô was a vassal of Kudô Suketsune who ran over to the enemy, the Soga brothers. With two poems. The third print (mainly) from a five-part, actor (on the stage), Yashima Gakutei (mentioned on object), Japan, 1823, paper, colour woodcut, h 212 mm × w 189 mm

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro IV as Kudo Suketsune in the play "Hatsugai Wada no Sakamori," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the first month, 1759. Torii Kiyomitsu I; Japanese, 1735-1785. Date: 1759. Dimensions: 15 1/2 x 6 3/4 in. Color woodblock print; o-hosoban, benizuri-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Ageha no Chokichi Disguised as Soga no Goro Tokimune in the Play Kaido Ichi Yawaragi Soga, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Third Month, 1778. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1773-1783. Dimensions: 31.8 x 14.7 cm (12 1/2 x 5 13/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban; from a multisheet composition. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

The Second Ichikawa Monnosuke as a Man of High Rank Standing in the Snow ca. 1786-87 Katsukawa Shunshō　川春章 Japanese. The Second Ichikawa Monnosuke as a Man of High Rank Standing in the Snow 36848

Segawa Kikunojo III in an Unidentified Role. Artist: Toshusai Sharaku (Japanese, active 1794-95). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 12 11/32 x 5 3/4 in. (31.4 x 14.6 cm). Date: 1794-95. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The Actors Otani Hiroji III as Onio Shinzaemon (right), and Nakamura Sukegoro II as Wappa no Kikuo (left) in the Play Iro Moyo Aoyagi Soga, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the First Month, 1775. Katsukawa Shunko I; Japanese, 1743-1812. Date: 1770-1780. Dimensions: 29.5 x 13.7 cm (11 5/8 x 5 3/8 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Actor Ichikawa Hakuen in a Kabuki Role Shigeharu (1803-1853). The Actor Ichikawa Hakuen in a Kabuki Role, ca. 1830. Color woodblock print on paper, 14 1/4 x 10 1/4 in. (36.2 x 26 cm). Asian Art ca. 1830

Asahina Saburô, The actor Seki Sanjûrô II (1786-1839) in the role of Asahina Saburô in the play about the Soga brothers. Saburô was a vassal of Kudô Suketsune who ran over to the enemy, the Soga brothers. With two poems. The third print (mainly) from a five-part, actor (on the stage), Yashima Gakutei (mentioned on object), Japan, 1823, paper, colour woodcut, h 212 mm × w 189 mm

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II 1753-1763 Japan. Color woodblock print; o-hosoban, benizuri-e . Torii Kiyomitsu I (Publisher)

The Actor Otani Hiroemon III as Shinoda Jirodayu in the Play Keisei Momiji no Uchikake, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Seventh Month, 1772 1767-1777 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

The Actor Bando Mitsugoro I as Soga no Juro Sukenari () in the Play Shuen Soga Omugaeshi (), Performed at the Ichimura Theater () in the Second Month, 1768 (). Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1763-1773. Dimensions: 31 x 14.1 cm (12 3/16 x 5 9/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban; probably one sheet of a five-sheet print. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

tomo no Kuronushi, from the series Portraits of Six Poets. Artist: Katsushika Hokusai, Japanese, 1760-1849

Kabuki Actor Segawa Kikunojo III in a Female Role (Shizuka Gozen). Artist: Katsukawa Shunsho (Japanese, 1726-1792). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 12 11/32 x 5 17/32 in. (31.4 x 14.1 cm). Date: ca. 1777. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Ichikawa Monosuke II as Soga no Juro Sukenari () ca. 1785 Katsukawa Shunkō Japanese. Ichikawa Monosuke II as Soga no Juro Sukenari () 56849

Geisha Bindt Haar Ceintuur Om, Kurizono, c. 1822 - c. 1827 print A geisha binds her belt (OBI) and stands for a Japanese Zither (Koto) that rests on a black lacquered box. With two poems. Japan paper color woodcut / polishing courtesan, hetaera

The Actor Sakata Hangoro II, from "A Picture Book of Stage Fans (Ehon butai ogi)". Ippitsusai Buncho; Japanese, active c. 1755-90. Date: 1770. Dimensions: 9 5/8 x 6 in. Color woodblock print; page from illustrated book. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Ichikawa Danjuro V as a Samurai of High Rank ca. 1778 Katsukawa Shunshō　川春章 Japanese. Ichikawa Danjuro V as a Samurai of High Rank 56867

The Actors Ichimura Uzaemon VIII as Taira no Koremochi and Arashi Koroku as Makomo no Mae in the play "Shusse Momijigari," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eleventh month, 1747. Torii Kiyonobu II; Japanese, active c. 1725-61. Date: 1747. Dimensions: 32.0 x 15.0 cm. Color woodblock print; hosoban, benizuri-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, FLORENCIA, USA.

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Sawamura Tanosuke II 1817 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III)

A kneeIIng oiran supported on a long pipe Gakutei, yashima (1786 1868)

The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Izu no Jiro Disguised as Kemmaku no Sabu in the Play Edo-zakura Sono Omokage, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Fifth Month, 1769 1764-1774 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

The Actor Sawamura Sojuro 3rd (Kinokuniya). Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I (Japanese, 1769-1825). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 14 3/4 x 10 in. (37.5 x 25.4cm). Date: ca. 1795. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The lovers Yaoya Oshichi and Kosho Kichisaburo, The actor Sanokawa Ichimatsu in the female role of Yaoya Oshichi, sitting with bat in right hand, looking up at the actor Nakamura Kumetaro in the role of her beloved Kosho Kichisaburo, standing with feather ball in right hand, Nakamura Kumetaro II, Sanogawa Ichimatsu III, Ishikawa Toyonobu (mentioned on object), Japan, 1751, paper, colour woodcut, h 429 mm × w 299 mm

The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Kusunoki Masayuki Disguised as Uji no Joetsu, in the Play Go Taiheiki Shirishi-banashi, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Fourth Month, 1780. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1775-1785. Dimensions: 30.9 x 14 cm (12 3/16 x 5 1/2 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

The Actor Nakamura Sukegoro II in an Unidentified Role. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1774-1784. Dimensions: 33 x 15 cm (13 x 5 7/8 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

The Actor Onoe Matsusuke I in an Unidentified Role. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1777-1787. Dimensions: 31 x 14.8 cm (12 3/16 x 5 13/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

The Actor, 3rd Sawamura Sojuro Holding an Open Fan ca. 1779 Katsukawa Shunk Japanese. The Actor, 3rd Sawamura Sojuro Holding an Open Fan. Katsukawa Shunk (Japanese, 1743-1812). Japan. ca. 1779. Woodblock print; ink and color on paper. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

Ichikawa Monosuke II as Soga no Juro Sukenari (). Artist: Katsukawa Shunko (Japanese, 1743-1812). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 12 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. (32.4 x 14.6 cm). Date: ca. 1785. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The Actor Sakata Hangoro III as the Groom Abumizuri no Iwazo in Koriyama, Actually Kurisaka Taro Tomonori (SAndai-me Sakata Hangoro no Koriyama no Umakata Abumizuri no Iwazo, jitsuwa Kurisaka Taro Tomonori). Toshusai Sharaku ; Japanese, active 1794-95. Date: 1789-1799. Dimensions: 32.9 x 15.3 cm. Color woodblock print; hosoban, nishiki-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Actor Otani Oniji II as Asahina Saburo in the play Hatachiyama Horai Soga, performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month, 1759 1759 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban, benizuri-e . Torii Kiyosato

Print Utagawa Kunisada Japanese 19th century

The Actor Sakata Hangoro III as Omi no Kotoda in the Play Haru no Nishiki Date-zome Soga, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Second Month, 1790. Katsukawa Shunko I; Japanese, 1743-1812. Date: 1785-1795. Dimensions: 31.7 x 14.7 cm (12 1/2 x 5 13/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban; from a multisheet composition. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Third Ichikawa Yaoz as a Daimyo Standing Under a Maple Tree ca. 1783 Katsukawa Shunsh Japanese. The Third Ichikawa Yaoz as a Daimyo Standing Under a Maple Tree. Katsukawa Shunsh (Japanese, 1726-1792). Japan. ca. 1783. Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper. Edo period (1615-1868). Prints

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke III. Utagawa Toyokuni I ; Japanese, 1769-1825. Date: 1824. Dimensions: 36.2 x 14.9 cm (14 1/4 x 9 13/16 in.). Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Yamatoya: Bando Mitsugoro II as Ishii Genzo, from the series "Portraits of Actors on Stage (Yakusha butai no sugata-e)". Utagawa Toyokuni I ; Japanese, 1769-1825. Date: 1794. Dimensions: 35 x 23.1 cm (13 3/4 x 9 1/16 in.). Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Segawa Kikunojō II 1758 Ishikawa Toyonobu Japanese The various kimono patterns shown here were enriched by a few colors in a technique called benizuri-e (literally, "picture printed in red"), which probably derived from Chinese printing. The new technique did not rely on the old method of hand-painted colors but used printed colors, mainly red and green.Ishikawa Toyonobu was among the most prolific creators of benizuri-e prints about the middle of the eighteenth century.. Segawa Kikunojō II 56599

Actor Bando Mitsugoro III. Toyokuni, Utagawa (1769-1825), graphic artist

The Actor Ichikawa Danzo III as Fuwa Banazemon in the Play Date Moyo Kumo ni Inazuma, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Tenth Month, 1768. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1763-1773. Dimensions: 31 x 15.4 cm (12 3/16 x 6 1/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II 1766-1776 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Torii Kiyomitsu I

The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon in the Role of Honjo Tsunagoro, left sheet of a triptych. Date: twelfth month 1862. Dimensions: 37 cm x 25 cm. Museum: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Author: Utagawa Kunisada II.

Yashima Gakutei was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyoka poetry and surimono woodblock works.

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII 1854 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Utagawa School

It is good to cut one's fingernails (Tsume tori yoshi), from the series A Series for the Hanazono Group (Hanazono bantsuzuki) 1817-1827 Japan. Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono . Totoya Hokkei

The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo III as Oboshi Yuranosuke in the Play Kanadehon Chushingura, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Fifth Month, 1786 1781-1791 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

The Innocent Girl: The Residence with the Plum Trees. Date: 1820-1829. Dimensions: 37 cm x 21.8 cm. Museum: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. Author: Keisai Eisen.

The Actor Arashi Rikaku II as Kajiwara Heizō in the Play Yoshitsune sanbonzakura. Hasegawa Munehiro (Japan, active 1848-1867). circa 1855. Prints; woodblocks. Color woodblock print

Young Woman Playing the Flute by a Bridge 19th century Kubo Shunman Japanese. Young Woman Playing the Flute by a Bridge 54007

Lu Junyi (Gyokukirin Roshungi), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)". Utagawa Kuniyoshi; Japanese, 1787-1861. Date: 1822-1835. Dimensions: 38.3 x 26.3 cm (15 1/16 x 10 3/8 in.). Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA. Author: UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI.

Sugawara Michizane crossing to China (Toto Tenjin). Kitao Shigemasa; Japanese, 1739-1820. Date: 1770-1779. Dimensions: 11 7/8 x 5 3/8 in. Woodblock print; hosoban, sumizuri-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Flower Thief, c. 1790, Katsushika Hokusai; Publisher: Tsutaya Jūzaburō, Japanese, 1760 - 1849, 8 1/4 × 6 1/16 in. (21 × 15.4 cm) (image, sheet, vertical chūban), Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, Japan, 18th century, The play 'Offering Pails of Water' centers on a love affair between a young beautiful woman and an older married man. They first meet at Mibudera Temple where the woman comes every day to offer a pail of water to the deity of the temple. For this print, Hokusai depicted the moment when the man fell in love with the woman. The man's obvious excitement comically contrasts with the woman's indifference.

Soga no Gorō Tokimune Viewing the Moon after Rain in the Mountains. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Japan, 1839-1892). Japan, 1885, December. Prints; woodblocks. Color woodblock print

The Actor Nakamura Tomijuro I as Taira no Masakado Disguised as Otomo no Kuronushi () or Sugawara Micihizane () in the Play Shida Yuzuriha Horai Soga () or Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (), Performed at the Morita Theater () in the First or Fifth Month, 1775 (). Katsukawa Shunko I; Japanese, 1743-1812. Date: 1770-1780. Dimensions: 31.5 x 14.5 cm (12 3/8 x 5 11/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Masatsuya Otani Oniji III as Ono Sadakuro, from the series Portraits of Actors on Stage (Yakusha butai no sugata-e) 1794 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Utagawa Toyokuni I

The Actor Matsumoto Koshiro III as Kikuchi Hyogo Narikage in the Play Katakiuchi Chuko Kagami (Vendetta: A Model of Loyalty and Filial Duty), Performed at the Nakamura Theater from the Fifth Day of the Sixth Month, 1770. Ippitsusai Buncho; Japanese, active c. 1755-90; Publisher: okumura Genroku. Date: 1765-1775. Dimensions: 31.7 x 14.3 cm (12 1/2 x 5 5/8 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

Matsumoto Koshiro IV as a Townsman Standing Beside a Water Barrel, c. 1770. Torii Kiyomitsu (Japanese, 1735-1785). Color woodblock print; sheet: 31.2 x 14 cm (12 5/16 x 5 1/2 in.).

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Kazusa no Akushichibyoe Kagekiyo Disguised as a Blind Court Musician (Kengyo) in the Play Edo Meisho Midori Soga, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Fourth Month, 1779 1774-1784 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunko I

Solving a Puzzle Japan. Woodblock print; hand-colored sumie-e . Okumura Masanobu

Courtesan Placing a Hairpin in Her Hair. Artist: Kaigetsudo Anchi (Japanese, active 1714). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 22 3/4 x 12 3/4 in. (57.8 x 32.4 cm). Date: ca. 1714. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The Poet Otomo no Kuronushi, from the series Six Immortal Poets (Rokkasen) 1805-1815 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Katsushika Hokusai

ta Dkan, from the series Six Immortal Samurai Poets (Buke Rokkasen). Artist: Yashima Gakutei, Japanese, ca. 1786-1868

The Actor Bando Matataro IV as Bando Taro in the Play Gohiiki Kanjincho, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1773 1768-1778 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban; left sheet of diptych ( ) . Katsukawa Shunsho

The Actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV as the Boatman Minagawa Shin'emon of Reisengasaki in Kamakura, Actually Hata Rokurozaemon Tokiyoshi (Yondai-me Matsumoto Koshiro no Kamakura Reizengasaki no sendo Minagawa Shin'emon, jitsuwa Hata Rokurozaemon). Toshusai Sharaku ; Japanese, active 1794-95. Date: 1789-1799. Dimensions: 31.6 x 13.8 cm. Color woodblock print; hosoban, nishiki-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Actors Nakamura Nakazo I and Ichikawa Komazo I in the dance scene Shakkyo” (The Stone Bridge”) in the play Ima o Sakari Suehiro Genji ( The Genji Clan Now at Its Zenith ), performed at the Nakamura Theater from the first day of the eleventh month, 1768 1763-1773 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

Ichikawa Monnosuke II as a Woman. Artist: Ippitsusai Buncho (Japanese, active 1760-1794). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 11 7/16 in. (29.1 cm); W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm). Date: ca. 1770. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The actor Actor Segawa Michinosuke in the role of a lady

Portrait of YamadaTokuemon. Artist: Totoya Hokkei, Japanese, 1780-1850

Girl with Basket , ca. 1900. Woodblock print, 17 3/8 x 10 3/4 in. (44.1 x 27.3 cm). Asian Art ca. 1900

The Actor Arashi Otohachi I as Hotei Ichiemon in the Play Ayatsuri Kabuki Ogi, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Seventh Month, 1768 1763-1773 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban . Katsukawa Shunsho

A woman turns to a man Famous places and products in the Yamashiro province (series title) Yamashiro meisho meibutsu (series title on object), A woman turns to a man who has a fan for keeps what a letter is on. Both poems on this print speak of love letters (kesôbumi) that were sold at the start of the new year. The man is probably a seller of this type of love letter. Since these sellers were paria, he covered most of his face. The woman is probably from a high class and wears a special kimono that can cover her face like a veil., Keisai Eisen (mentioned on object), Japan, c. 1810 - 1820, paper, colour woodcut, h 210 mm × w 182 mm

Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World), 1806. Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, 1753-1806). Color woodblock print; overall: 35.6 x 23.8 cm (14 x 9 3/8 in.).

Kabuki Actor. Artist: Attributed to Torii Kiyonobu (Japanese, 1664-1729). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 21 3/4 x 11 1/2 in. (55.2 x 29.2 cm). Date: ca. 1708.Kiyonobu, founder of the Torii line of artists, specialized in the painting of posters and signboards for the popular Kabuki theater. As required by the poster format, the bold, fluid lines, full, rounded forms, and flattened patterning were to be read at a distance. Kiyonobu's early experimentation with hand coloring was undertaken to enliven the stark black and white designs and to further the print's decorative appeal.Kiyonobu's masterful depiction of a dancer recalls Moronobu's expressive portrayal of lovers in this exhibition. Both convey a freedom of spirit and emotion through the use of vibrant, expressive line. In a manner unique to the early ukiyo-e style, Kiyonobu animates the dancer's robe with fluid lines, swirling patterns, and floral motifs to suggest her exuberant movement and essential vitality. Museum: Metropolitan

The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Soga no Goro Tokimune in the Play Koi no Yosuga Kanegaki Soga, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the First Month, 1789 1784-1894 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban; one sheet of triptych (another sheet 1939.897) . Katsukawa Shun'ei

The Actor Sawamura Sojuro II 1745-1755 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban, benizuri-e . Torii Kiyoshige

Hour of the Ox 2am (Ushi no koku), from the series "The Twelve Hours in Yoshiwara (Seiro juni toki tsuzuki)". Kitagawa Utamaro ??? ??; Japanese, 1753 (?)-1806. Date: 1789-1799. Dimensions: 37.6 x 24.3 cm. Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

Onoe Matsusuke II Holding a Letter, Utagawa toyokuni (i), C. 1811 print Kabuki actor ineu Matsusuke II in the role of Samurai Freebashi Yusuke, with a letter in his hand paper color woodcut actor (on the stage). letter, envelope

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Kataoka Nizaemon VIII. Utagawa Yoshitora; Japanese, active c. 1836-87. Date: 1862. Dimensions: . Color woodblock print; oban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Maruya Gorohachi in the Play Kotobuki Banzei Soga, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Fifth Month, 1783 1778-1788 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban; center sheet of triptych . Katsukawa Shunsho

The Oystercatcher Dance (Miyakodori), from the series Beautiful Dance Customs (Adesugata odori fuzoku) 1773-1783 Japan. Color woodblock print; chuban . Kitao Shigemasa

The actor Nakamura Utaemon as a painter and the god of thunder Kunisada, UTAGAWA (1786 1864)

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Kazusa no Akushichibyoe Kagekiyo in the Play Edo no Hana Mimasu Soga, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Third Month, 1783. Katsukawa Shunjo; Japanese, died 1787. Date: 1778-1788. Dimensions: 30.5 x 14.2 cm (12 x 5 9/16 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Actors Yamashita Kinsaku II and Segawa Kikunojo II. Torii Kiyohiro; Japanese, active c. 1737-76. Date: 1752-1762. Dimensions: 11 5/8 x 5 1/2 in. Color woodblock print; hosoban, benizuri-e. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, USA.

The Second Nakamura Sukegoro in the Role of Gokumon no Shobei. Artist: Katsukawa Shunsho (Japanese, 1726-1792). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: 12 7/8 x 5 15/16 in. (32.7 x 15.1 cm). Date: 2nd month, 1771. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

The Actor Ishimura Kamezo Holding an Umbrella over the Actor Nakamura Kiyozo, as the Courtesan Matsuyama 1748-1750 Ishikawa Toyonobu Japanese. The Actor Ishimura Kamezo Holding an Umbrella over the Actor Nakamura Kiyozo, as the Courtesan Matsuyama 57001

Zogahana nadagoro, The sumo wrestler Zogahana Nadagoro., Utagawa, Toyokuni, 1786-1865, artist, between 1844 and 1848, 1 print : woodcut, color ; 36.5 x 25.4 cm., Print shows Zogahana Nadagoro, full-length portrait, standing, facing left, wearing striped robe.

Portrait of Hôjô Ujiyasu, daimyo of the Odawara Hôjô family. unknown, author

The actor Actor Onoe Matsusuke in armor Shun'ei, katsukawa (1762 1819)

Flowers of a Hundred Worlds (Momoyogusa): Taira no Tadanori (Tadanori), 1909-10. Kamisaka Sekka (Japanese, 1866-1942). Color woodcuts with gold and silver; sheet: 29.9 x 22.1 cm (11 3/4 x 8 11/16 in.). This print from a set of three woodblock printed albums displays the graphic design prowess of Kamisaka Sekka. The images were first distributed one by one to subscribers to the series but later were reissued in bound form, like this book, for mass consumers. Each print features a vignette taken from nature or Japanese literature. Many of the scenes have a long history in Japan, originating in the 900s or 1000s and having been interpreted by all manner of artists since that time. Sekkas selections hew closely to precedents from the Rinpa style originated by painter Tawaraya S?tatsu (c. 1570-c. 1640) and calligrapher Honami K?etsu (1558-1637).

Two traveling musicians, Two traveling players. The man dances with a fan in front of his face, the woman, seen from the back, plays the shamisen. With four haiku poems. The style in which this print is executed suggests a much earlier period in Japanese art history. It is possible that the artist made this print after an older work from his collection, something he often did, musician - CC - out of doors, Kita Busei (mentioned on object), Japan, c. 1820 - c. 1830, paper, colour woodcut, h 196 mm × w 177 mm

Ma Lin (Tettekisen Barin), from the series One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori) 1822-1835 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Okano Gin'emon Kanehide, Sheet 11 from the series: History of Loyal Fools. Gift by Justus Brinckmann

Utagawa Kunisada (also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III) was the most popular, prolific and financially successful designer of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in 19th-century Japan. In his own time, his reputation far exceeded that of his contemporaries, Hokusai, Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi. Raijin is a god of lightning, thunder and storms in the Shinto religion and in Japanese mythology. He is typically depicted as a demonic spirit beating drums to create thunder, usually with a tomoe symbol drawn on the drums.

The Actor Nakamura Utaemon I as Monk Seigen of Kiyomizu Temple in the Play Soga Moyo Aigo no Wakamatsu, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Third Month, 1769. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1764-1774. Dimensions: 31 x 14.9 cm (12 3/16 x 5 7/8 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

The Actors Ichikawa Danjuro V as Hige no Ikyu, Nakamura Riko as Agemaki, and Ichikawa Ebizo as Agemaki's attendant in the play Sukeroku Yukari no Edozakura at the Nakamura Theater in the third month, 1784 1779-1789 Japan. Color woodblock print; right sheet of oban diptych . Torii Kiyonaga

Bust portrait of an actor; A crazy layout of Haiku poets in portrait and script.; Haika Shoga Kyodai. Bust portrait of an actor against blue background. On the left a pink-blue cartouche in which a haiku, leaves, origami frogs.

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 Ichikawa Danjuro IX 1903 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Utagawa Kunisada III (Kunimasa IV, Toyokuni V)

The Second Yamashito Kinsaku as a Courtesan Standing in a Room ca. 1779 Katsukawa Shunshō　川春章 Japanese. The Second Yamashito Kinsaku as a Courtesan Standing in a Room 36825

The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Hiranoya Tokubei ( ) in the Play Waka Murasaki Edokko Soga ( ), Performed at the Ichimura Theater ( ) in the Third Month, 1792 ( ) 1787-1797 Japan. Color woodblock print; hosoban; left sheet of triptych ( ) . Katsukawa Shun'ei

The actor Matsumoto Koshiro V as Ishikawa Goemon in the play Sanmon Gosan no Kiri, performed at the Ichimura Theater in the third month, 1810 1810 Japan. Color woodblock print; oban . Utagawa Toyokuni I

Courtesan ca. 1714 Kaigetsudō Dohan Japanese. Courtesan 45057

The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Tezuka no Taro Mitsumori Disguised as the Monkey Trainer Tonkichi Tochibei, in the Play Soga Moyo Aigo no Wakamatsu, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the First Month, 1769. Katsukawa Shunsho ; Japanese, 1726-1792. Date: 1764-1774. Dimensions: 32.5 x 14.6 cm (12 13/16 x 5 3/4 in.). Color woodblock print; hosoban. Origin: Japan. Museum: The Chicago Art Institute, USA.

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