Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō 2nd as Kujaku Saburo - Katsukawa Shun'ei
Archival giclée
Frames arrive ready to hang
Secure checkout
Made to order
Description
A classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei, capturing the actor Sawamura Sōjūrō 2nd in a theatrical role with characteristic realism.
This woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei depicts the kabuki actor Sawamura Sōjūrō 2nd in the role of Kujaku Saburo. Shun'ei was a prominent figure in the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic approach to portraiture within the ukiyo-e genre. Unlike the idealised, doll-like features found in earlier prints, Shun'ei focused on the specific facial characteristics and expressions of the actors he portrayed. This style, known as yakusha-e, served as a form of celebrity portraiture for the theatre-going public of Edo-period Japan.
The composition presents the actor in a characteristic pose, holding a lantern while his sword is tucked into his sash. The figure is rendered with bold, clear lines that define the folds of his striped kimono and the posture of his body. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones of salmon, grey, and muted green to create a balanced visual effect. The background is minimal, featuring a simple bamboo fence that suggests an outdoor setting without distracting from the central figure. The artist's signature and seal are visible in the lower right corner, identifying the work as a product of the Katsukawa studio.
Prints of this nature were produced in large numbers to satisfy the demand for souvenirs and collectibles related to popular theatrical performances. The technical execution demonstrates the skill of the carvers and printers who collaborated with Shun'ei to translate his original drawings into the final woodblock format. The work remains a clear example of the aesthetic priorities of the period, where the focus rested on the individual identity of the performer and the specific atmosphere of the stage. This print offers a direct look at the visual culture of the late eighteenth century, capturing a fleeting moment of performance through the medium of traditional Japanese printmaking.
Return policy
Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō 2nd as Kujaku Saburo - Katsukawa Shun'ei
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
You May Also Like