Introducing Kabuki Prints

Image: Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edohei by Tōshūsai Sharaku
Source: Wikimedia Commons, File: Toshusai Sharaku – Otani Oniji
License: Public Domain

This image is provided for reference only and is not included in our store.

What Are Kabuki Prints?

When people hear the term ukiyo-e, many may first picture kabuki prints like the famous work above, Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edohei by Tōshūsai Sharaku—actors striking dramatic poses with exaggerated expressions and crossed eyes. One of the defining features of kabuki prints is precisely this exaggeration of actors’ powerful facial expressions and gestures, capturing the vivid presence of the stage and recreating it on paper.

Kabuki prints are generally considered a type of portrait print depicting kabuki actors or memorable scenes from performances. They were not merely portraits of actors; by capturing a compelling moment from the stage that fascinated audiences, they also served as advertisements that encouraged people to visit the theater. Often sold outside theaters, these prints were treasured items that allowed fans to keep images of their favorite actors close at hand.

In the Edo period, ukiyo-e functioned not only as works of art but also as a medium of information. Much like modern posters or newspapers, they announced what plays were being performed and which actors were appearing. Since there was no television or radio at the time, people relied on such prints to learn about the latest theatrical productions.

Among the ukiyo-e prints we recently acquired, I would particularly like to introduce the following triptych.

Yume Monogatari Rosei no Sugatae

Toyohara Kunichika, Yume Monogatari Rosei no Sugatae
Actors (from left): Hanko (Sawamura Tokuko), Otaka (Bandō Hidetō), Kazan (Ichikawa Danjūrō), Old Mother Orio (Ichikawa Sadanji)
Artist: Toyohara Kunichika
Play: Yume Monogatari Rosei no Sugatae
Theater: Shintomi-za

Yume Monogatari Rosei no Sugatae was a kabuki play performed at the Shintomi-za Theater in Meiji 19 (1886), based on the life of Takano Chōei. The script was written by Kawatake Mokuami and consisted of seven acts and fifteen scenes.

Takano Chōei, a physician and scholar of Rangaku (Western learning introduced through Dutch studies), studied Western medicine and military science. By opening a school of Rangaku and sharing his knowledge widely, he contributed to nurturing young talent and advancing Japan’s modernization. Because of his position, he advocated for opening the country and opposed the Tokugawa shogunate’s Edict to Repel Foreign Vessels. However, he was imprisoned during the severe crackdown on Rangaku scholars known as the Bansha no Goku. After escaping from prison, he continued his activities in hiding, but his life eventually reached a dramatic climax, ending in suicide.

This ukiyo-e depicts Watanabe Kazan holding a brush and painting. Kazan was a Rangaku scholar, painter, and politician who, like Chōei, was imprisoned for criticizing shogunate policies. Although Takano Chōei is the protagonist of Yume Monogatari Rosei no Sugatae, the reason Kazan is depicted instead remains unclear. The casting may provide the answer—in fact, the role of Kazan was performed by Ichikawa Danjūrō IX.

Ichikawa Danjūrō IX was a legendary actor who left an indelible mark on the history of kabuki, and his influence continues on the modern stage. He appeared in many ukiyo-e prints as an actor. The fact that these prints are still carefully preserved today may itself be considered a lasting tribute to his greatness.

See more example of work through which you can experience the world of Kabuki here.

- J