Ichikawa Ebijuro II as Horiguchi Manzaemon - Utagawa Kunihiro

A dynamic woodblock print by Utagawa Kunihiro featuring the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebijuro II in a dramatic rain-swept scene.

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunihiro depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebijuro II in the role of Horiguchi Manzaemon. The composition captures a moment of high tension, characteristic of the Kamigata-e style, which originated in the Osaka and Kyoto regions. Unlike the more stylised Edo prints, these works often focus on the specific physical presence and dramatic intensity of the performer on stage.

The actor is shown in a dynamic pose, mid-action, with a sword raised above his head. His expression is one of fierce concentration, typical of the mie pose used in kabuki theatre to freeze a moment of emotional climax. The artist employs vertical lines across the image to represent heavy rain, which adds a sense of atmosphere and urgency to the scene. The actor wears a kimono decorated with a bold, repeating leaf pattern, contrasting with the more muted tones of the background elements, such as the wooden fence and the foliage.

Utagawa Kunihiro was a prominent figure in the Osaka print tradition, known for his ability to capture the likeness of actors while maintaining the aesthetic conventions of the period. The print demonstrates the technical skill required for multi-block printing, with precise registration of the colours and fine line work. The use of space is balanced, allowing the figure to dominate the frame while the surrounding environment provides necessary context for the narrative. This piece offers a glimpse into the theatrical culture of nineteenth-century Japan, where the fame of kabuki actors was disseminated through such prints. Collectors of Japanese art will appreciate the clarity of the carving and the preservation of the original colour palette, which remains legible despite the age of the paper.