Actor Matsumoto Koshirō II as Asagao - Ippitsusai Bunchō

A refined 18th-century woodblock print by Ippitsusai Bunchō, capturing the kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshirō II in a dramatic stage role.

This woodblock print by Ippitsusai Bunchō depicts the kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshirō II in the role of Asagao. Bunchō was a master of the yakusha-e genre, which focused on the portrayal of actors during the Edo period. His work is recognised for its refined, slender figures and a departure from the more exaggerated features found in earlier prints of the era. The composition captures the actor in a moment of dramatic tension, with his posture and expression conveying the specific characterisation required for the stage performance.

The print utilises the nishiki-e technique, or brocade print, which allowed for the application of multiple colours to create a nuanced palette. The actor wears a kimono decorated with a subtle pattern, while the background features a shoji screen, providing a sense of interior space. The inclusion of a small bird perched on a stand adds a layer of narrative detail, common in theatrical prints of the time. Bunchō often collaborated with other artists, yet his individual style remains distinct through his precise line work and the elegant, elongated proportions of his subjects.

As a piece of historical documentation, this print offers insight into the aesthetics of 18th-century Japanese theatre. The actor Matsumoto Koshirō II was a well-known figure, and such prints served as souvenirs for theatre-goers, allowing them to keep a record of their favourite performers. The print is characterised by its balanced composition and the use of soft, muted tones, which were typical of the period's printing technology. The artist's signature and seal are visible in the lower left, confirming the provenance of this work within the broader context of Ukiyo-e production.