Ichikawa Monnosuke II as a Woman - Ippitsusai Bunchō

A classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Ippitsusai Bunchō, depicting the actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a dramatic Kabuki role.

This woodblock print by Ippitsusai Bunchō captures a specific moment from the Kabuki theatre, a popular form of performance art in Edo-period Japan. The composition features Ichikawa Monnosuke II, a celebrated actor of the era, depicted in the role of a woman. Bunchō was known for his yakusha-e, or actor prints, which often focused on the individual characteristics and dramatic flair of performers rather than idealised beauty.

The print employs a narrow, vertical format known as hosoban, which was standard for single-sheet actor portraits. The figures are arranged with a sense of theatrical tension. The actor in the foreground displays the exaggerated facial expressions and bold makeup associated with the aragoto style, while the figure behind, representing the female role, holds a flowering branch. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of soft greens, muted reds, and earthy tones that have aged over time. The background remains minimal, directing the viewer's attention to the costumes and the dynamic poses of the performers.

Bunchō worked during the mid-eighteenth century, a period when the ukiyo-e genre was refining its technical capabilities. His work is often associated with the Katsukawa school, which moved away from the stylised, doll-like figures of earlier artists toward a more realistic portrayal of actors. This print provides a glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of the Kabuki stage, where gender roles were fluid and performance was defined by highly codified gestures and costume details. The print serves as a record of a transient performance, preserving the likeness and dramatic presence of a specific actor for contemporary audiences.