Ichimura Takenojō V as Yukanba Kozō Kichiza - Utagawa Kunisada

A classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, featuring the kabuki actor Ichimura Takenojō V in a dramatic role from the Kinsei suikoden series.

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada depicts the kabuki actor Ichimura Takenojō V in the role of Yukanba Kozō Kichiza. The work belongs to the series A Modern Water Margin, or Kinsei suikoden, which reimagined characters from the classic Chinese novel within the context of Edo-period Japan. Kunisada, a prolific designer of actor prints, captures the performer in a characteristic pose, emphasising the dramatic flair of the kabuki stage.

The composition focuses on the actor from the waist up, allowing for a clear view of the costume details and the expressive facial features typical of the genre. The actor wears a patterned kimono with a bold, blue-and-white check design, contrasted against sleeves featuring a floral motif. The inclusion of Japanese calligraphy in the upper section provides narrative context, a common feature in ukiyo-e prints that served to inform the audience about the specific play or character being portrayed.

Kunisada utilised a refined line quality to define the contours of the face and the folds of the fabric. The colour palette remains balanced, relying on traditional pigments that have aged to produce a soft, harmonious appearance. The print reflects the technical precision of the Edo-period publishing industry, where the collaboration between the artist, woodcarver, and printer resulted in mass-produced yet highly artistic imagery. This piece offers a window into the theatrical culture of nineteenth-century Japan, documenting the appearance and style of popular performers of the era. It remains a representative example of the yakusha-e tradition, which functioned as both promotional material for theatres and collectable items for fans of the kabuki stage.