{"title":"Katsukawa Shunko","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"actors-ichikawa-monnosuke-ii-iwai-hanshiro-iv-and-onoe-matsusuke-i-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actors Ichikawa Monnosuke II, Iwai Hanshirō IV, and Onoe Matsusuke I - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting three celebrated kabuki actors in a traditional theatrical scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures a moment from the kabuki theatre, a popular form of entertainment in Edo-period Japan. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which became known for its realistic approach to actor portraiture, or yakusha-e. Unlike the stylised and idealised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e, the Katsukawa artists focused on capturing the specific facial features and expressions of individual performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features three prominent kabuki actors: Ichikawa Monnosuke II, Iwai Hanshirō IV, and Onoe Matsusuke I. Each figure is rendered with attention to their costume, which reflects the status and character type of the roles they played. The use of line is precise, defining the folds of the kimono and the distinct silhouettes of the actors. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft earth tones and muted pinks, which is characteristic of the benizuri-e style of the period. This technique involved the use of two or three colour blocks, often including a pink pigment derived from safflower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this print, the actors are positioned in a way that suggests a scene from a play, with their poses conveying a sense of dramatic tension. The background is kept minimal, allowing the viewer to focus on the figures themselves. The print serves as a record of the theatrical culture of the time, documenting the appearance of performers who were celebrities in their own right. The Katsukawa school's influence on the development of actor prints was significant, as it shifted the focus towards a more grounded representation of the human form. This piece provides a glimpse into the aesthetic values of the late eighteenth century, where the intersection of art and popular performance created a unique visual language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417190666575,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417194533199,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417194565967,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417194598735,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417194631503,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417194664271,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417194697039,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417194729807,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417194762575,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417194795343,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417194828111,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417194860879,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actors-Ichikawa-Monnosuke-II-Iwai-Hanshir-IV-and-Onoe-Matsusuke-I_Poster_CompositorV1_1786156217757.jpg?v=1786156545"},{"product_id":"actor-iwai-hanshiro-iv-as-onaka-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Iwai Hanshirō IV as Onaka - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the kabuki actor Iwai Hanshirō IV in a dramatic, sword-drawing pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Iwai Hanshirō IV in the role of Onaka. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his realistic approach to actor portraits, often referred to as yakusha-e. Unlike the more stylised depictions common in earlier periods, Shunkō focused on capturing the specific facial features and expressions of the performers, providing a more individualised representation of the kabuki stars of the Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition shows the actor in a dynamic pose, drawing a sword. The figure is dressed in a distinctive checked kimono, which provides a strong geometric contrast to the organic forms of the surrounding irises. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of muted earth tones, soft reds, and ochre, which is characteristic of the benizuri-e technique. This method involved printing with a limited number of colour blocks, often including a pink or red pigment known as beni.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIwai Hanshirō IV was a prominent onnagata, an actor who specialised in female roles. In this print, the artist captures the tension of the scene through the actor's posture and the sharp angle of the blade. The background is minimal, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the figure and his costume. The print reflects the cultural obsession with kabuki theatre in eighteenth-century Japan, where prints served as both promotional material and souvenirs for theatre-goers. The artist's signature appears in the lower left corner, confirming the work as a product of the Katsukawa school. This piece offers a clear view into the aesthetic priorities of the era, where the intersection of fashion, theatre, and printmaking created a unique visual language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417196171599,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417198727503,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417198760271,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417198793039,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417198825807,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417198858575,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417198891343,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417198924111,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417198956879,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417198989647,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417199022415,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417199055183,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Iwai-Hanshir-IV-as-Onaka_Poster_CompositorV1_1786156607478.jpg?v=1786156755"},{"product_id":"actor-onoe-matsusuke-i-as-otori-sagaemon-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Onoe Matsusuke I as Ōtori Sagaemon - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the actor Onoe Matsusuke I in a dramatic kabuki role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke I in the role of the character Ōtori Sagaemon. Shunkō, a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, became known for his contributions to the yakusha-e genre, which focuses on portraits of kabuki actors. His work often captures the specific facial features and expressions of performers, moving away from the more generic, idealised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents the actor in a theatrical pose, holding a hand fan aloft. He wears a layered kimono featuring a red and white check pattern, paired with a muted green and grey checked garment. Two swords are tucked into his sash, identifying the character as a samurai. The background is minimal, suggesting a garden setting with stylised irises near a stream, which provides a sense of place without distracting from the figure. The artist uses a clean, graphic approach, relying on bold outlines and a controlled colour palette to define the form and movement of the actor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was active during the mid-Edo period, a time when the popularity of kabuki theatre drove a high demand for prints featuring famous actors. These works functioned as both souvenirs for theatre-goers and promotional material for the actors themselves. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the Katsukawa school, particularly in the rendering of the actor's posture and the specific details of the costume. The use of colour is restrained, allowing the composition to remain clear and focused on the dramatic presence of the subject. This piece offers a glimpse into the visual culture of 18th-century Japan, where the boundaries between the stage and the print medium were fluid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417201905999,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417203380559,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417203413327,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417203446095,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417203478863,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417203511631,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417203544399,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417203577167,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417203609935,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417203642703,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417203675471,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417203708239,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Onoe-Matsusuke-I-as-tori-Sagaemon_Poster_CompositorV1_1786156859890.jpg?v=1786157058"},{"product_id":"actor-segawa-kikujiro-as-a-woman-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Segawa Kikujirō as a Woman - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the kabuki actor Segawa Kikujirō in a female role with characteristic precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Segawa Kikujirō in an onnagata role, portraying a female character. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic approach to actor portraits, known as yakusha-e. Unlike the more stylised depictions common in earlier periods, the Katsukawa artists focused on capturing the specific facial features and expressions of individual performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is a close-up, focusing on the head and shoulders of the actor. The artist uses bold, clean lines to define the contours of the face, the elaborate hairstyle, and the folds of the kimono. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft peach tones, black, and cream, which allows the viewer to focus on the actor's expression. The figure is positioned against a neutral background, a common technique in this genre to isolate the subject and emphasise the theatricality of the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSegawa Kikujirō was a well-known actor of the era, and this print serves as a record of his appearance in a specific role. The attention to detail in the hair ornaments and the pattern of the kimono reflects the high standards of production for ukiyo-e prints during the late eighteenth century. The print is an example of the technical skill involved in woodblock carving and printing, where multiple blocks were used to achieve the final image. The work provides insight into the culture of the Edo period, where kabuki theatre was a central form of entertainment and actors were celebrated figures. This print captures the essence of the onnagata tradition, where male actors specialised in female roles, requiring a high degree of skill in gesture, voice, and costume to convey the character effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417205707087,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417207148879,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417207181647,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417207214415,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417207247183,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417207279951,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417207312719,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417207345487,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417207378255,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417207411023,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417207443791,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417207476559,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Segawa-Kikujir-as-a-Woman_Poster_CompositorV1_1786157047277.jpg?v=1786157325"},{"product_id":"harugoma-spring-hobbyhorse-dance-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Harugoma (Spring hobbyhorse dance) - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicting a performer in the traditional Harugoma spring hobbyhorse dance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts a performer engaged in the Harugoma, or spring hobbyhorse dance. The artist, a member of the Katsukawa school, focused his output on the kabuki theatre and the actors who defined the genre. His work is known for its directness and focus on the physical presence of the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure is shown in a dynamic, mid-motion pose, holding a small hobbyhorse prop above her head. She wears a head covering, which suggests a costume for a specific theatrical role or a festive performance. The kimono features a striped pattern, rendered with clean lines that define the folds and movement of the fabric. The composition is balanced, with the figure occupying the majority of the vertical space, set against a plain background that draws attention to the costume and the gesture of the dance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a contemporary of other masters of the period, yet he maintained a distinct approach to portraiture. His prints often capture the specific mannerisms of performers, moving away from the more idealised depictions found in earlier ukiyo-e works. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft pinks, greens, and black ink to create a clear visual hierarchy. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the Edo-period woodblock process, where each colour block was aligned to create the final image. This piece offers a glimpse into the performance culture of the late eighteenth century, documenting the costumes and movements associated with traditional spring celebrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417208525135,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417210982735,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417211015503,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417211048271,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417211081039,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417211113807,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417211146575,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417211179343,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417211212111,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417211244879,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417211277647,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417211310415,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Harugoma-Spring-hobbyhorse-dance-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786157254786.jpg?v=1786157423"},{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-yaozo-as-an-otokodate-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Ichikawa Yaozō as an Otokodate - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozō in a traditional otokodate role with refined line work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozō in the role of an otokodate. An otokodate was a chivalrous commoner, often portrayed in Edo-period theatre as a protector of the weak against corrupt officials or unruly samurai. The figure stands in a characteristic pose, his expression conveying a sense of stoic resolve. His costume, a kimono featuring subtle patterns and calligraphy, is rendered with the precise line work associated with the Katsukawa school.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his realistic approach to actor portraiture. Unlike the more stylised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e, Shunkō focused on capturing the specific facial features and individual personality of the performer. This print demonstrates the artist's ability to balance the theatricality of the kabuki stage with a grounded, human quality. The composition is clean, with the actor positioned against a sparse background that includes a suggestion of pine trees and a wooden structure, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones of ochre, grey, and soft pink to define the garments and setting. This choice of colour reflects the aesthetic preferences of the period, where subtle harmonies were often favoured over high-contrast schemes. The print serves as a record of both the actor's performance style and the fashion of the late eighteenth century. By documenting the specific appearance of Ichikawa Yaozō, Shunkō provides a window into the popular culture of Edo, where kabuki actors were celebrated as fashion icons and cultural figures. The work remains a fine example of the yakusha-e genre, which prioritised the accurate representation of actors in their most famous roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417216946511,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417219141967,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417219174735,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417219207503,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417219240271,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417219273039,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417219305807,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417219338575,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417219371343,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417219404111,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417219436879,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417219469647,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Ichikawa-Yaoz-as-an-Otokodate_Poster_CompositorV1_1786157651231.jpg?v=1786157886"},{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-danjuro-5th-as-matsuomaru-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō 5th as Matsuōmaru - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicting the actor Ichikawa Danjūrō 5th in a dramatic kabuki role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures the actor Ichikawa Danjūrō 5th in the role of Matsuōmaru, a character from the celebrated kabuki play Sugawara Denjū Tenarai Kagami. Shunkō, a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, was known for his focus on the physical presence of kabuki performers. His work moved away from the idealised portraits of his predecessors, favouring a more grounded representation of the actor's features and posture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition centres on the figure of Danjūrō, who stands with a firm, grounded stance. He wears a patterned outer garment, or haori, featuring a geometric design that contrasts with the simpler lines of his hakama trousers. The artist employs a clear, confident line to define the actor's form, particularly in the facial expression, which conveys the intensity required for the dramatic role of Matsuōmaru. The background is minimal, featuring only a suggestion of a pine tree, which serves to frame the actor without distracting from his performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō’s approach to the yakusha-e genre, or actor prints, was defined by his ability to capture the specific likeness of a performer. This print is a fine example of the mid-Edo period aesthetic, where the focus shifted towards the individual identity of the star. The colour palette is restrained, relying on earthy tones and the natural paper ground to create a sense of balance. The print offers a glimpse into the theatrical culture of 18th-century Japan, where the popularity of kabuki actors drove a demand for high-quality visual records of their most famous roles. The work remains a clear record of the stylistic shift toward realism within the Katsukawa school.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417218584911,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417221665103,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417221697871,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417221730639,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417221763407,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417221796175,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417221828943,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417221861711,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417221894479,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417221927247,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417221960015,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417221992783,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Ichikawa-Danj-r-5th-as-Matsu-maru_Poster_CompositorV1_1786157841362.jpg?v=1786157982"},{"product_id":"actor-old-man-dancing-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor (Old Man) Dancing - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicting an actor in a dance pose, characteristic of the Edo period kabuki theatre tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures a moment of theatrical performance from the Edo period. The artist, a member of the Katsukawa school, focused his output on the kabuki theatre. His work is known for a departure from the idealised, doll-like faces of earlier ukiyo-e artists, opting instead for a more realistic approach to facial features and expressions. This shift allowed for a clearer depiction of the specific actor's personality and the character they portrayed on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subject is an elderly man engaged in a dance, holding a thin staff. His posture is dynamic, with one leg raised, suggesting movement despite the two-dimensional nature of the medium. He wears a purple kimono with red accents and a simple cap. The background is minimal, featuring horizontal bands that provide a sense of space without distracting from the figure. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones of purple, red, and ochre to define the form and costume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, and he continued the tradition of the 'yakusha-e' or actor print. These works were often produced as souvenirs for theatre-goers, documenting the appearance of popular performers in their most famous roles. The print demonstrates the technical skill of the carvers and printers of the time, with clean lines and precise registration of the colour blocks. The composition is balanced, using the staff as a vertical element to anchor the figure against the horizontal background lines. This piece offers a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of eighteenth-century Japan, where the theatre was a central component of urban culture. The focus remains on the individual actor, reflecting the celebrity status that performers held during this era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417433903439,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417435083087,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417435115855,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417435148623,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417435181391,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417435214159,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417435246927,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417435279695,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417435312463,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417435345231,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417435377999,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417435410767,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Old-Man-Dancing_Poster_CompositorV1_1786158669557.jpg?v=1786158800"},{"product_id":"actor-segawa-kikujiro-and-boy-actor-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Segawa Kikujirō and Boy Actor - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic yakusha-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing a theatrical moment between a Kabuki actor and his young apprentice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts a scene from the Kabuki theatre, featuring the actor Segawa Kikujirō alongside a younger performer. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his contributions to the yakusha-e genre, which focused on portraits of Kabuki actors. His work often captured the specific facial features and expressions of performers, moving away from the more generic representations seen in earlier prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is typical of the Katsukawa school, which prioritised a realistic approach to actor portraiture. The elder actor is shown in a commanding posture, wearing a garment adorned with a large tomoe crest. The boy actor is positioned lower in the frame, looking upward, which creates a sense of interaction between the two figures. The colour palette is restrained, relying on a base of muted earth tones contrasted with the bold red of the primary garment. The lines are precise and controlled, characteristic of the woodblock carving techniques of the late eighteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrints of this nature were produced as souvenirs or promotional materials for theatre-goers in Edo. They allowed fans to collect images of their favourite performers in specific roles. The print reflects the cultural climate of the period, where the theatre and its stars occupied a central position in urban life. Shunkō's ability to convey the individual personality of the actors through subtle shifts in posture and gaze remains a defining feature of his output. This piece offers a glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of the Edo period, where the art of the printmaker and the art of the actor were closely linked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417471947087,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417507139919,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417507172687,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417507205455,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417507238223,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417507270991,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417507303759,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417507336527,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417507369295,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417507402063,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417507434831,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417507467599,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Segawa-Kikujir-and-Boy-Actor_Poster_CompositorV1_1786158917005.jpg?v=1786158986"},{"product_id":"actor-onoe-matsusuke-as-kanshojo-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Onoe Matsusuke as Kanshojō - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke in a dramatic, rain-swept scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke in the role of Kanshojō. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his realistic approach to actor portraiture, a departure from the more stylised conventions of the period. This work belongs to the yakusha-e genre, which focused on the likenesses of performers within the popular theatre of Edo-period Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition captures the actor in a moment of dramatic intensity. The figure is positioned against a stark, vertical arrangement of black lines that suggest heavy rain or a storm, creating a sense of urgency. The actor wears a patterned kimono, with the fabric rendered in muted tones of grey and yellow, accented by a soft pink sash. His posture is dynamic, with one arm raised to hold a cloth or garment above his head, shielding himself from the elements. The facial expression is characteristic of the Katsukawa school, featuring sharp, defined features that aim to capture the specific personality of the performer rather than an idealised mask.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnically, the print demonstrates the precision of the woodblock medium. The lines are clean and deliberate, defining the contours of the figure and the texture of the clothing. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a limited palette to maintain focus on the actor's form and movement. The background is kept minimal, allowing the figure to occupy the space with authority. This print provides a glimpse into the theatrical culture of the late eighteenth century, where the fame of kabuki actors was disseminated through such accessible, mass-produced imagery. It remains a clear example of the technical skill and observational focus that defined Shunkō's contribution to the ukiyo-e tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417596137807,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417604067663,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417604100431,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417604133199,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417604165967,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417604198735,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417604231503,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417604264271,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417604297039,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417604329807,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417604362575,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417604395343,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Onoe-Matsusuke-as-Kanshoj-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786159465261.jpg?v=1786159628"},{"product_id":"actor-onoe-matsusuke-as-a-priest-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Onoe Matsusuke as a Priest - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the actor Onoe Matsusuke in a theatrical role with characteristic precision and realism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke in a theatrical role. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his realistic approach to actor portraits, often referred to as yakusha-e. Unlike the more stylised depictions common in earlier periods, Shunkō focused on the specific facial features and expressions of the performers, capturing their individual likenesses on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents the actor in a standing pose, wearing a dark, flowing outer garment that contrasts with the lighter tones of his undergarment and the surrounding environment. He carries a small, ornate lantern, a prop that suggests a specific narrative moment from a play. The background is minimal, featuring a simple botanical element that provides context without distracting from the central figure. The lines are clean and deliberate, characteristic of the Katsukawa school's technical precision in woodblock carving and printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō's work is valued for its contribution to the development of actor portraiture during the Edo period. His prints provide a visual record of the kabuki theatre, documenting the costumes, props, and physical presence of actors who were popular celebrities of the time. This print demonstrates the artist's ability to balance the demands of commercial print production with a keen eye for character study. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a limited palette to maintain focus on the actor's posture and expression. This piece offers a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of eighteenth-century Japanese audiences, who sought both entertainment and artistic quality in their collected prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417686610255,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417778098511,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417778131279,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417778164047,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417778196815,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417778229583,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417778262351,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417778295119,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417778327887,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417778360655,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417778393423,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417778426191,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Onoe-Matsusuke-as-a-Priest_Poster_CompositorV1_1786159710551.jpg?v=1786159901"},{"product_id":"actor-onoe-matsusuke-as-tenjin-sugawara-michizane-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Onoe Matsusuke as Tenjin Sugawara Michizane - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the actor Onoe Matsusuke in the dramatic role of the deity Tenjin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke in the role of the historical figure Tenjin, also known as Sugawara Michizane. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his yakusha-e, or actor prints, which focused on the realistic portrayal of performers rather than the idealised figures common in earlier ukiyo-e works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition captures the actor in a dramatic pose, characteristic of the aragoto style often seen in Edo period theatre. The figure is adorned in elaborate robes featuring cloud motifs, which signify his status and the supernatural nature of the character. The artist employs a controlled line weight to define the facial features, conveying the intensity of the actor's expression. The colour palette remains restrained, relying on soft earth tones and muted pigments that have aged to a subtle patina over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSugawara Michizane was a ninth-century scholar and politician who was deified as Tenjin, the patron of learning. In kabuki performances, this character is frequently portrayed with specific attributes, such as the headgear and the formal attire shown here. The print serves as a record of the theatrical conventions of the period, documenting both the costume design and the specific performance style of Onoe Matsusuke. The work reflects the technical precision of the Katsukawa school, which prioritised the individual likeness of the actor. This print provides a view into the intersection of historical legend and popular entertainment in eighteenth-century Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417807524175,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417871847759,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417871880527,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417871913295,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417871946063,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417871978831,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417872011599,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417872044367,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417872077135,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58417872109903,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58417872142671,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58417872175439,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Onoe-Matsusuke-as-Tenjin-Sugawara-Michizane_Poster_CompositorV1_1786159938176.jpg?v=1786160118"},{"product_id":"actor-nakamura-denkuro-2nd-as-a-wrestler-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Nakamura Denkūrō 2nd as a Wrestler - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the kabuki actor Nakamura Denkūrō II in a dynamic wrestler role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Nakamura Denkūrō II in the role of a wrestler. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic approach to actor portraiture, known as yakusha-e. Unlike the stylised, idealised figures common in earlier ukiyo-e, Shunkō focused on the specific facial features and physical presence of the performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition captures the actor in a dynamic stance, his body angled to suggest movement. He wears a kimono patterned with large, stylised leaves, which provides a graphic contrast to the simpler treatment of the water and shore in the background. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of muted purples, warm oranges, and soft yellows to define the figure against the environment. The actor's expression is intense, with the characteristic makeup lines of the kabuki stage visible around his eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his ability to capture the individual personality of actors. This work reflects the conventions of the late eighteenth-century Edo period, where the theatre culture of the floating world was a primary subject for printmakers. The print demonstrates the technical skill of the carvers and printers who translated Shunkō's designs into multiple blocks, ensuring the clarity of the line work and the registration of the colours. The figure occupies the majority of the frame, a common technique in the narrow hosoban format, which was frequently used for single-figure actor portraits. This print offers a glimpse into the aesthetic values of the period, where the art of the actor was documented with precision and stylistic flair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58417913004367,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58424773083471,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58424773116239,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58424773149007,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58424773181775,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58424773214543,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58424773247311,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58424773280079,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58424773312847,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58424773345615,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58424773378383,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58424773411151,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Nakamura-Denk-r-2nd-as-a-Wrestler_Poster_CompositorV1_1786160172361.jpg?v=1786160308"},{"product_id":"actor-segawa-kikunojo-3rd-as-a-shakkyo-dancer-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Segawa Kikunojō 3rd as a Shakkyo Dancer - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the actor Segawa Kikunojō III in a traditional Shakkyo dance performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojō III in the role of a dancer performing the Shakkyo, or Stone Bridge, dance. The Shakkyo dance is a classic piece of the kabuki repertoire, often featuring performers dressed as lions playing among peonies. In this composition, the actor is shown in a graceful, mid-movement pose, holding a large peony blossom aloft while another rests in their left hand. The costume is adorned with floral motifs, reflecting the aesthetic conventions of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and is recognised for his contributions to the yakusha-e genre, which focuses on portraits of kabuki actors. His work often captures the specific mannerisms and facial features of performers, moving away from the more generic depictions seen in earlier ukiyo-e prints. The line work here is precise and controlled, defining the folds of the kimono and the delicate features of the actor. The composition is balanced, with the vertical orientation of the print emphasising the dancer's posture and the flowing lines of the costume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis print serves as a record of the theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan. Kabuki was a popular form of entertainment, and prints of this nature functioned as both promotional material and souvenirs for theatre-goers. The focus on the actor's identity and the specific role highlights the importance of individual performance styles within the kabuki tradition. The use of black and white ink allows the viewer to focus on the graphic quality of the design, the balance of positive and negative space, and the calligraphic strength of the artist's brushwork. It is a clear example of the technical skill involved in the production of eighteenth-century Japanese woodblock prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418088542543,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418102796623,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418102829391,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418102862159,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418102894927,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418102927695,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418102960463,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418102993231,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418103025999,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418103058767,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418103091535,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418103124303,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Segawa-Kikunoj-3rd-as-a-Shakkyo-Dancer_Poster_CompositorV1_1786160352775.jpg?v=1786160625"},{"product_id":"actor-in-a-red-hakama-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor in a Red Hakama - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic yakusha-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting a Kabuki actor in a red hakama with a lantern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures a moment from the Kabuki theatre, a genre known as yakusha-e. The artist, a member of the Katsukawa school, focused on the realistic depiction of actors, moving away from the stylised, generic faces common in earlier ukiyo-e prints. This work displays the characteristic 'Katsukawa style', which prioritises the individual features and expressions of the performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subject is depicted in a dynamic pose, wearing a striking red hakama. The bold colour choice draws the eye to the centre of the composition, while the actor holds a lantern, suggesting a scene set at night or within a dimly lit interior. The lines are precise and controlled, defining the folds of the fabric and the intense, focused expression on the actor's face. Two swords are visible at his waist, identifying the character as a samurai or a warrior figure, a common archetype in the Kabuki repertoire of the Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his ability to convey the psychological intensity of a performance. The print uses a limited palette, relying on the contrast between the deep red of the garment and the neutral tones of the background and skin. This restraint allows the viewer to focus on the actor's posture and the dramatic tension of the scene. The composition is balanced, with the figure occupying the majority of the vertical frame, typical of the hosoban format used for actor prints during this era. This print offers a glimpse into the visual culture of eighteenth-century Japan, where the theatre and the print market were closely linked, providing fans with souvenirs of their favourite performers and plays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418120491343,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418171773263,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418171806031,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418171838799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418171871567,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418171904335,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418171937103,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418171969871,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418172002639,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418172035407,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418172068175,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418172100943,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-in-a-Red-Hakama_Poster_CompositorV1_1786160550124.jpg?v=1786160939"},{"product_id":"triptych-beauties-on-verandah-admiring-iris-pond-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Triptych: Beauties on Verandah Admiring Iris Pond - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined ukiyo-e triptych by Katsukawa Shunkō depicting women gathered on a verandah overlooking an iris pond, rendered in soft, traditional tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis triptych by Katsukawa Shunkō captures a scene of leisure within a traditional Japanese architectural setting. The composition spans three sheets, depicting a group of women gathered on a wooden verandah that overlooks a garden pond filled with irises. The artist employs a refined line quality to delineate the figures, whose kimonos feature varied patterns, and the structural elements of the building, such as the sliding shoji screens and the railed walkway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShunkō, a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, is recognised for his contributions to the ukiyo-e genre, particularly his depictions of actors and women. In this work, the spatial arrangement creates a sense of depth as the eye moves from the foreground figures on the verandah to the more distant figures near the water. The palette is restrained, relying on soft earth tones, muted pinks, and subtle ochres, which align with the aesthetic conventions of the late eighteenth century. The figures are positioned in naturalistic poses, engaged in conversation or observation, which provides a glimpse into the social customs of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print demonstrates the technical precision required for multi-sheet woodblock production. Each panel aligns to form a cohesive narrative, balancing the architectural geometry with the organic forms of the garden. The absence of heavy outlines allows the figures to integrate with the environment, maintaining a sense of balance across the entire composition. This work serves as an example of the bijin-ga style, which focused on the representation of beautiful women in various settings, often reflecting the fashions and cultural interests of the Edo period. The attention to detail in the clothing and the surrounding environment provides insight into the material culture of the time, while the overall composition maintains a quiet, observational quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418166628687,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418174787919,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418174820687,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418174853455,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418174886223,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418174918991,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418174951759,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418174984527,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418175017295,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418175050063,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418175082831,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418175115599,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Triptych_-Beauties-on-Verandah-Admiring-Iris-Pond_Poster_CompositorV1_1786160765515.jpg?v=1786161025"},{"product_id":"woman-holding-scroll-in-her-mouth-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Woman Holding Scroll in Her Mouth - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting a woman holding a scroll, rendered with delicate lines and a muted colour palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts a woman in a moment of quiet activity. She holds a small scroll between her teeth, a gesture often associated with the preparation of correspondence or the handling of documents in the Edo period. The figure wears a kimono decorated with a striped pattern and circular motifs, demonstrating the attention to textile design common in the Ukiyo-e genre. Her posture is upright, and her expression remains neutral, typical of the artist's focus on the stylised elegance of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic portrayals of Kabuki actors and bijin-ga, or pictures of beautiful women. Unlike some of his contemporaries who favoured highly idealised features, Shunkō often employed a more direct approach to portraiture. The composition is balanced by the inclusion of a willow branch at the top, which provides a sense of setting without overwhelming the central figure. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft earth tones and muted pinks to define the garment and the surrounding environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnically, the print displays the precise line work characteristic of the period. The artist uses varied line weights to distinguish between the texture of the fabric and the delicate features of the woman. The background remains largely unadorned, directing the viewer's attention to the subject's actions and attire. This work offers a glimpse into the aesthetic values of late 18th-century Japan, where the depiction of everyday gestures was elevated through the medium of the woodblock print. It remains a representative example of the Katsukawa school's contribution to the development of Japanese printmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418177769807,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418179440975,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418179473743,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418179506511,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418179539279,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418179572047,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418179604815,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418179637583,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418179670351,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418179703119,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418179735887,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418179768655,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Woman-Holding-Scroll-in-Her-Mouth_Poster_CompositorV1_1786160884910.jpg?v=1786161303"},{"product_id":"west-side-champion-tamikaze-wrestling-east-side-champion-onogawa-katsukawa-shunko","title":"West Side Champion Tamikaze Wrestling East Side Champion Onogawa - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicting the sumo wrestlers Tamikaze and Onogawa locked in a match, demonstrating the artist's focus on physical realism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures a moment of intense physical engagement between two legendary sumo wrestlers, Tamikaze and Onogawa. Shunkō, a member of the Katsukawa school, is recognised for his departure from the stylised, doll-like features common in earlier ukiyo-e portraiture. Instead, he favoured a more realistic approach, focusing on the individual physical traits and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition centres on the wrestlers locked in a clinch. The artist uses clean, decisive lines to define the musculature and posture of the figures, conveying the weight and tension inherent in the sport. The wrestlers are depicted in their traditional mawashi, with the muted colour palette typical of late eighteenth-century prints, relying on subtle tones to draw attention to the forms rather than decorative excess. The background is minimal, ensuring the viewer focuses entirely on the interaction between the two athletes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was particularly noted for his yakusha-e, or actor prints, and his ability to translate the same observational rigour to the world of sumo. By stripping away unnecessary ornamentation, he provides a clear view of the mechanics of the bout. The print serves as a record of the popular culture of the Edo period, where sumo wrestlers held a status comparable to kabuki actors. This work reflects the artist's technical skill in woodblock printing, particularly in the handling of line weight to suggest volume and mass. It remains a clear example of the shift toward naturalism within the ukiyo-e tradition, prioritising the physical reality of the subjects over idealised depictions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418180653391,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418182422863,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418182455631,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418182488399,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418182521167,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418182553935,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418182586703,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418182619471,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418182652239,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418182685007,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418182717775,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418182750543,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/West-Side-Champion-Tamikaze-Wrestling-East-Side-Champion-Onogawa_Poster_CompositorV1_1786161105540.jpg?v=1786161474"},{"product_id":"two-three-quarter-length-figures-kabuki-actors-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Two Three-Quarter Length Figures (Kabuki Actors) - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting two Kabuki actors in a moment of dramatic tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures the dramatic intensity of the Kabuki theatre. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which moved away from the stylised, doll-like faces of earlier artists to focus on the specific features of individual actors. This approach, known as 'yakusha-e', allowed audiences to recognise their favourite performers on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents two actors in a three-quarter length format. The figure on the right displays the exaggerated 'kumadori' makeup typical of a villain or a powerful warrior character, with sharp lines defining the brows and mouth. His posture is aggressive, with a clenched hand and a piercing gaze directed towards his companion. In contrast, the figure on the left appears more subdued, with a rounded face and a look of apprehension or surprise. The interaction between the two suggests a specific scene from a play, where tension is conveyed through facial expression and body language rather than action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShunkō uses a clean, controlled line to define the contours of the robes and the facial features. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones of peach, grey, and black to maintain focus on the psychological state of the characters. The background remains plain, which is a common convention in this genre to ensure the figures occupy the entire visual space. This print is a representative example of the mid-Edo period's fascination with celebrity culture and the theatrical arts. It provides a window into the aesthetic preferences of the urban population in Japan during the late eighteenth century, where the theatre served as a primary source of entertainment and social commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418182357327,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418185797967,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58418185830735,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418185863503,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418185896271,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418185929039,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418185961807,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418185994575,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418186027343,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58418186060111,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58418186092879,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58418186125647,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Two-Three-Quarter-Length-Figures-Kabuki-Actors-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786161245858.jpg?v=1786161540"},{"product_id":"prow-of-red-and-black-boat-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Prow of Red and Black Boat - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting figures on a boat near a riverbank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures a quiet moment upon the water, typical of the Ukiyo-e tradition. The composition focuses on the prow of a boat, rendered with precise lines that define the structure of the vessel against the gentle ripples of the river. Two figures occupy the boat: one stands near the cabin, while another reaches down toward the water, perhaps interacting with the surface or retrieving an object. The background features a simplified shoreline, a distant torii gate, and sparse vegetation, providing a sense of place without overwhelming the primary subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShunkō, a member of the Katsukawa school, often produced works that moved away from the highly stylised portraits of kabuki actors, opting instead for scenes of daily life or atmospheric observations. The colour palette remains restrained, relying on soft earth tones, muted greens, and the distinct red of the boat roof to guide the viewer's eye. The print demonstrates the technical skill of the period, where the woodblock medium allowed for clean, graphic representation of form and space. The use of negative space in the water and sky creates a balanced composition, allowing the viewer to appreciate the subtle details of the figures' attire and the boat's construction. This work offers a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of the Edo period, where the depiction of leisure and travel became a popular subject for print collectors. The print is a fine example of the period's ability to convey narrative through minimal visual cues, relying on the viewer to interpret the quiet activity of the scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58424852087119,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425138676047,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425138708815,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425138741583,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425138774351,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425138807119,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425138839887,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425138872655,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425138905423,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425138938191,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425138970959,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425139003727,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Prow-of-Red-and-Black-Boat_Poster_CompositorV1_1786161776571.jpg?v=1786217738"},{"product_id":"actor-in-a-role-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor in a Role - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting a kabuki actor in a dramatic samurai role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures a kabuki actor in a dramatic pose, a genre known as yakusha-e. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his realistic depictions of actors, moving away from the more stylised, generic faces seen in earlier ukiyo-e works. He focused on capturing the specific facial features and expressions of individual performers, which allowed audiences to identify their favourite stars with ease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor is depicted in a dynamic stance, one arm raised and the other held across the body, suggesting a moment of high tension or a climactic scene from a play. The figure wears a kimono decorated with a floral pattern, layered over a checked garment. The presence of two swords tucked into the sash indicates that the character is a samurai. The composition is balanced, with the actor positioned centrally against a simplified background, which directs the viewer's attention to the posture and the expressive face of the performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō's work is characterised by a firm, confident line and a restrained use of colour. The palette is muted, relying on soft tones of ochre, pale pink, and grey, which allows the graphic quality of the print to take precedence. The artist's signature appears on the lower left, a common practice for ukiyo-e masters of the Edo period. This print provides a window into the theatrical culture of 18th-century Japan, where kabuki actors were celebrities and their likenesses were highly sought after by the public. The print is a fine example of the Katsukawa school's approach to actor portraiture, prioritising characterisation and movement over decorative excess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425114624335,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425188122959,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425188155727,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425188188495,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425188221263,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425188254031,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425188286799,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425188319567,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425188352335,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425188385103,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425188417871,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425188450639,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-in-a-Role_Poster_CompositorV1_1786161993153.jpg?v=1786218193"},{"product_id":"actor-nakamura-denkuro-2nd-as-kagekiyo-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Nakamura Denkūrō 2nd as Kagekiyo - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the actor Nakamura Denkūrō II in a dramatic kabuki role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Nakamura Denkūrō II in the role of the legendary warrior Kagekiyo. Shunkō was a prominent member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic approach to actor portraiture, known as yakusha-e. Unlike the stylised, idealised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e, Shunkō focused on capturing the specific facial features and intense expressions of individual performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents the actor in a dynamic pose, suggesting the dramatic tension of a stage performance. Kagekiyo, a figure from the Heike Monogatari, is often portrayed as a blind, exiled warrior. Here, the actor wears a patterned kimono and carries a sword, with a large, straw-like bundle or cloak draped across his back. The lines are precise and controlled, characteristic of the Katsukawa style, which prioritised clarity of form over excessive ornamentation. The colour palette remains restrained, relying on muted earth tones and subtle contrasts to define the figure against the simple background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, the founder of the school. His work reflects the shift in the late eighteenth century towards a more grounded representation of the kabuki world. By focusing on the actor as a person rather than a generic archetype, Shunkō provided audiences with a direct connection to the theatre culture of Edo-period Japan. This print captures the essence of the performance, conveying the weight of the character through the actor's posture and the deliberate arrangement of his costume. The print serves as a record of a specific theatrical moment, preserving the appearance and presence of a celebrated performer for contemporary viewers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425323225423,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425507709263,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425507742031,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425507774799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425507807567,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425507840335,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425507873103,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425507905871,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425507938639,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425507971407,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425508004175,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425508036943,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Nakamura-Denk-r-2nd-as-Kagekiyo_Poster_CompositorV1_1786162223812.jpg?v=1786218555"},{"product_id":"beauties-on-verandah-admiring-iris-pond-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Beauties on Verandah Admiring Iris Pond - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting figures in a serene garden setting with an iris pond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts a scene of leisure, featuring several figures observing an iris pond from the vantage of a wooden structure and a small boat. Shunkō, a member of the Katsukawa school, was known for his contributions to the ukiyo-e genre, particularly his focus on actors and figures. The composition employs a layered perspective, guiding the eye from the foreground figures in the boat towards the secondary group resting on the verandah in the middle distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figures are rendered with the characteristic elongated proportions and graceful postures typical of the period. Their kimonos display subtle patterns, while their hairstyles and facial features reflect the aesthetic conventions of late eighteenth-century Japanese printmaking. The surrounding environment, including the iris plants and the distant pine trees, provides a quiet setting that contrasts with the more dynamic actor prints often produced by the Katsukawa school. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones that have aged over time, which contributes to the overall atmospheric quality of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, and his work often shares the technical precision and focus on characterisation associated with his teacher. This print captures a moment of stillness, inviting the viewer to observe the interaction between the figures and their natural surroundings. The use of line is precise, defining the folds of the garments and the architectural elements of the verandah without unnecessary ornamentation. As a piece of bijin-ga, or pictures of beautiful women, it offers a glimpse into the social customs and fashion of the era. The print demonstrates the technical skill involved in multi-block printing, where each colour area requires careful registration to maintain the clarity of the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425396789583,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425655099727,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58425655132495,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425655165263,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425655198031,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425655230799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425655263567,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425655296335,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425655329103,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58425655361871,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58425655394639,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58425655427407,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Beauties-on-Verandah-Admiring-Iris-Pond_Poster_CompositorV1_1786162566345.jpg?v=1786218648"},{"product_id":"actor-arashi-sangoro-ii-as-a-samurai-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Arashi Sangoro II as a Samurai - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the kabuki actor Arashi Sangoro II in a detailed samurai role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Arashi Sangoro II in the role of a samurai. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic approach to actor portraits, known as yakusha-e. Unlike the stylised, idealised figures common in earlier ukiyo-e, Shunkō focused on capturing the specific facial features and expressions of individual performers. This shift toward naturalism allowed audiences to recognise their favourite actors with greater ease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor in a standing pose, holding a rooster under his arm. His costume is decorated with a pattern of ginkgo leaves, a motif that adds visual texture to the garment. He carries two swords, the traditional mark of the samurai class, which identifies his character within the narrative of the play. The background remains minimal, directing the viewer's attention to the actor's posture and the details of his attire. The print employs a limited colour palette, typical of the period, which relies on subtle earth tones and soft washes to define the forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, the founder of the school. His work reflects the technical precision of the Katsukawa lineage, particularly in the clean lines used to delineate the actor's features and the folds of his clothing. This print serves as a record of the theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan, where kabuki actors were celebrities and their likenesses were highly sought after by the public. The print captures a specific moment of performance, preserving the dramatic tension of the scene through the actor's gaze and the inclusion of the rooster, which may hold symbolic meaning within the context of the specific play being performed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426015875407,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426107265359,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426107298127,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426107330895,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426107363663,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426107396431,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426107429199,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426107461967,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426107494735,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426107527503,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426107560271,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426107593039,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Arashi-Sangoro-II-as-a-Samurai_Poster_CompositorV1_1786162927263.jpg?v=1786219610"},{"product_id":"actor-nakamura-makazo-as-a-samurai-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Nakamura Makazo as a Samurai - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the actor Nakamura Makazo in a dramatic samurai role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Nakamura Makazo in a samurai role. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which became known for its realistic approach to portraiture in the genre of yakusha-e, or actor prints. Unlike the more stylised and idealised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e, the Katsukawa artists focused on capturing the specific facial features and expressions of individual performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition centres on the actor in a dynamic pose, arms crossed, conveying a sense of tension and resolve. The figure is framed by architectural elements that suggest a stage setting. The artist employs a palette of muted tones, allowing the focus to remain on the actor's intense expression and the pattern of his garments. The fine lines of the woodblock carving define the folds of the kimono and the sharp contours of the face, demonstrating the technical precision required in eighteenth-century Japanese printmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and contributed to the shift toward more naturalistic portrayals of kabuki actors. This print is an example of the hosoban format, a narrow vertical size frequently used for single-figure actor portraits during this period. The work provides insight into the visual culture of Edo-period Japan, where the theatre and its performers were central to urban entertainment. The print captures a specific moment of performance, reflecting the dramatic conventions of the kabuki stage. The use of colour is restrained, relying on subtle washes to differentiate the textures of the clothing and the background. This print remains a representative example of the Katsukawa school's contribution to the development of actor portraiture, prioritising the individual identity of the performer over generic archetypes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426084819279,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426138788175,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426138820943,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426138853711,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426138886479,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426138919247,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426138952015,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426138984783,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426139017551,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426139050319,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426139083087,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426139115855,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Nakamura-Makazo-as-a-Samurai_Poster_CompositorV1_1786163190647.jpg?v=1786219730"},{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-umezo-as-a-samurai-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Ichikawa Umezo as a Samurai - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Umezo in a dramatic samurai role with characteristic realism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Umezo in the role of a samurai. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic approach to portraiture. Unlike the stylised, idealised figures common in earlier ukiyo-e, Shunkō focused on capturing the specific facial features and expressions of individual actors. This shift toward greater realism allowed audiences to identify performers with ease, a quality that contributed to the popularity of these prints in Edo-period Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition follows the yakusha-e tradition, which focuses on the actor as the central subject. The figure stands in a pose that suggests a moment of dramatic tension, common in kabuki performances. The actor wears a kimono and hakama adorned with subtle, flowing patterns, while his hand rests on the hilt of his sword. The background remains minimal, using simple geometric motifs to suggest an interior space without distracting from the subject. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft earth tones and muted ochres that allow the fine lines of the woodblock carving to remain the primary focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his ability to convey the intensity of the stage. His work provides a window into the theatrical culture of the late eighteenth century, documenting the costumes, hairstyles, and dramatic gestures of the era. This print is an example of the technical precision achieved by ukiyo-e artists, who collaborated with skilled carvers and printers to produce works that were accessible to a wide audience. The print reflects the aesthetic values of the period, where the art of the actor was celebrated through the medium of the printed image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426165199183,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426232635727,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426232668495,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426232701263,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426232734031,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426232766799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426232799567,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426232832335,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426232865103,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426232897871,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426232930639,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426232963407,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Ichikawa-Umezo-as-a-Samurai_Poster_CompositorV1_1786163407535.jpg?v=1786219908"},{"product_id":"actor-sakata-hangoro-iii-as-a-wrestler-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Sakata Hangorō III as a Wrestler - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the kabuki actor Sakata Hangorō III in a striking, graphic pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Sakata Hangorō III in the role of a wrestler. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic approach to portraiture within the ukiyo-e tradition. Unlike the stylised, idealised figures common in earlier prints, the Katsukawa artists focused on the specific physical traits and expressions of individual performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor in a dynamic pose, holding a sword. His costume, a bold black and white check pattern, provides a strong visual contrast against the softer, muted tones of the background. The inclusion of a flowering plum branch behind him adds a subtle organic element to the scene, balancing the geometric rigidity of his garment. The artist uses precise, clean lines to define the actor's features, particularly the exaggerated makeup known as kumadori, which serves to communicate the character's temperament to the audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was particularly noted for his 'ōkubi-e', or large-head portraits, which brought the viewer into close proximity with the subject. While this print shows the full figure, the attention to the actor's facial expression and posture remains the primary focus. The print reflects the culture of the Edo period, where kabuki actors were celebrities and their likenesses were highly sought after by the public. The technical execution demonstrates the skill of the carvers and printers who worked alongside the artist to produce these works. The use of colour is restrained, allowing the graphic quality of the design to dominate the composition. This piece offers a clear view into the aesthetic priorities of the late eighteenth-century Japanese print market, where the intersection of theatre and visual art created a distinct form of popular portraiture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426277265743,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426529349967,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426529382735,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426529415503,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426529448271,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426529481039,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426529513807,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426529546575,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426529579343,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426529612111,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426529644879,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426529677647,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Sakata-Hangor-III-as-a-Wrestler_Poster_CompositorV1_1786163764860.jpg?v=1786220188"},{"product_id":"actor-sawamura-sojuro-ii-as-oishi-kuranosuke-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō II as Ōishi Kuranosuke - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, portraying the kabuki actor Sawamura Sōjūrō II in a restrained, elegant theatrical pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Sawamura Sōjūrō II in the role of Ōishi Kuranosuke, the leader of the forty-seven rōnin. The print belongs to the yakusha-e genre, which focuses on the portrayal of actors within the theatrical world of Edo-period Japan. Shunkō, a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, was known for his ability to capture the specific facial features and expressions of performers, moving away from the more generic, idealised portraits common in earlier ukiyo-e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is balanced and restrained. The actor stands in a three-quarter view, holding a folding fan in one hand and resting the other on the hilt of his sword. His kimono is rendered in a soft, pale green, decorated with the circular mon (family crest) of the Sawamura line. The background is divided into two sections: a lower area featuring vertical stripes and an upper area adorned with a delicate, stylised floral motif. This use of negative space and simple geometric patterns directs the viewer's attention to the actor's posture and the subtle tension in his expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō's work is characterised by a focus on realism regarding the actor's likeness. Unlike the more exaggerated styles of his contemporaries, Shunkō provides a grounded representation of the performer. The print uses a limited palette, relying on muted tones to create a sense of harmony. The lines are clean and precise, defining the folds of the fabric and the contours of the figure without unnecessary ornamentation. This piece offers a glimpse into the aesthetic values of the late eighteenth-century Japanese theatre scene, where the cult of celebrity surrounding kabuki actors was at its height. The print remains a clear example of the technical skill involved in the production of ukiyo-e during this period, from the initial drawing to the carving and printing stages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426363806031,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426662682959,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426662715727,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426662748495,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426662781263,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426662814031,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426662846799,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426662879567,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426662912335,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426662945103,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426662977871,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426663010639,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Sawamura-S-j-r-II-as-ishi-Kuranosuke_Poster_CompositorV1_1786164244735.jpg?v=1786220359"},{"product_id":"actor-in-the-role-of-samurai-brandishing-sword-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor in the Role of Samurai Brandishing Sword - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting a kabuki actor in a dramatic samurai pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures a kabuki actor in a moment of dramatic tension. The artist, a member of the Katsukawa school, focused on the realistic depiction of actors, moving away from the stylised, generic faces common in earlier ukiyo-e works. This approach, known as 'yakusha-e', prioritised the individual features and specific expressions of the performer on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition centres on the actor in a crouched, athletic stance. He holds a katana, the blade angled across his body, creating a diagonal line that draws the eye. His expression is one of intense concentration, typical of the 'mie' pose used in kabuki theatre to freeze a moment of high emotion. The artist uses clean, decisive lines to define the folds of the kimono and the musculature of the actor, while the limited colour palette of soft pinks, blacks, and muted yellows keeps the focus on the figure's posture and gesture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and contributed to the development of the 'ōkubi-e', or large-head portrait, which allowed for greater psychological depth in actor prints. This work demonstrates the technical precision of the period, with the woodblock carving capturing the subtle variations in line weight. The background remains largely unadorned, a common feature in prints of this era, which ensures the viewer remains engaged with the theatrical performance rather than the setting. The print serves as a record of the ephemeral nature of kabuki theatre, preserving the likeness and dramatic flair of a performer from the late eighteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426365837647,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426553729359,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426553762127,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426553794895,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426553827663,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426553860431,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426553893199,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426553925967,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426553958735,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426553991503,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426554024271,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426554057039,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-in-the-Role-of-Samurai-Brandishing-Sword_Poster_CompositorV1_1786163885448.jpg?v=1786220364"},{"product_id":"actor-nakamura-kumetaro-as-a-kosho-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Nakamura Kumetaro as a Kosho - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting the kabuki actor Nakamura Kumetaro in a refined, period-accurate portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Nakamura Kumetaro in the role of a kosho, or young page. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which became known for its realistic approach to actor portraiture, known as yakusha-e. Unlike the stylised and idealised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e, Shunkō focused on capturing the specific facial features and expressions of individual performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents the actor in a standing pose, holding a folding fan in one hand and a bucket containing flowering branches in the other. The figure wears a layered kimono with subtle geometric patterns, rendered with the precise line work characteristic of the period. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted earth tones, soft greens, and pale pinks, which allows the focus to remain on the actor's posture and the details of his costume. The background is minimal, featuring a sliding door screen with a faint pattern, which provides a sense of interior space without distracting from the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and contributed to the development of the school's signature style. His work provides a window into the theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan, where kabuki actors were celebrities and their likenesses were highly sought after by the public. This print demonstrates the technical skill involved in multi-block printing, where each colour was applied using a separate carved block. The balance between the figure and the surrounding space reflects the aesthetic priorities of the time, where clarity of form and elegance of line were paramount. This piece is a representative example of the yakusha-e genre, documenting the intersection of popular theatre and printmaking in eighteenth-century Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426420461903,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426677264719,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426677297487,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426677330255,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426677363023,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426677395791,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426677428559,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426677461327,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426677494095,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426677526863,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426677559631,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426677592399,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Nakamura-Kumetaro-as-a-Kosho_Poster_CompositorV1_1786164365243.jpg?v=1786220494"},{"product_id":"three-wrestlers-hatsugamine-onogawa-and-kiyomiyama-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Three Wrestlers: Hatsugamine, Onogawa and Kiyomiyama - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō featuring three sumo wrestlers, rendered with precise, calligraphic lines typical of the Ukiyo-e tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts three sumo wrestlers, identified by the inscriptions as Hatsugamine, Onogawa, and Kiyomiyama. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and is recognised for his contributions to the yakusha-e (actor print) and sumo-e (sumo print) genres during the mid-Edo period. His work often focused on the physical presence of his subjects, utilising a distinct line quality to define their forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is minimalist, relying on clean, confident outlines rather than colour or complex shading to convey the figures. The wrestlers are shown in a standing arrangement, their postures suggesting a relaxed state outside of the ring. The artist employs a calligraphic approach to the drapery of their robes, which contrasts with the more robust rendering of their facial features and hands. This print belongs to a period when artists began to move away from stylised, uniform depictions of figures toward more individualised portraiture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was particularly noted for his ability to capture the specific likenesses of wrestlers and kabuki actors, a departure from the more generic types seen in earlier prints. The lack of background detail directs the viewer's attention entirely to the subjects, allowing the viewer to observe the subtle differences in their expressions and physical builds. The print is an example of the technical precision achieved by the Katsukawa school, which prioritised clarity and characterisation. By focusing on the human form, Shunkō provides a record of the figures who dominated the sumo world in the late 18th century. This print remains a clear example of the aesthetic values of the Ukiyo-e tradition, where the economy of line is used to maximum effect to create a sense of presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426425213263,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426574897487,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426574930255,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426574963023,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426574995791,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426575028559,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426575061327,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426575094095,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426575126863,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426575159631,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426575192399,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426575225167,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Three-Wrestlers_-Hatsugamine-Onogawa-and-Kiyomiyama_Poster_CompositorV1_1786164124964.jpg?v=1786220509"},{"product_id":"actor-nakamura-nakazo-as-an-otokodate-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Nakamura Nakazō as an Otokodate - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting the kabuki actor Nakamura Nakazō I in a dramatic role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Nakamura Nakazō I in the role of an otokodate, a chivalrous commoner or street knight. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which moved away from the stylised, mask-like facial features common in earlier ukiyo-e prints. Instead, the school favoured realistic portraits that captured the specific expressions and individual characteristics of famous actors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this composition, the actor is shown in a dynamic, slightly hunched pose, conveying the bravado associated with the otokodate archetype. He wears a kimono with a bold, dark green and black check pattern, which contrasts with the muted tones of the interior setting. His facial expression is one of intense focus, typical of the aragoto (rough style) acting tradition. The print employs the nishiki-e technique, using multiple woodblocks to apply colour, resulting in a refined finish that was highly popular during the Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe background is kept minimal, allowing the figure to dominate the frame. The architectural elements, such as the sliding screen and the small wooden box, provide a sense of place without distracting from the actor. Shunkō's ability to render the weight and texture of the fabric, combined with the precise lines of the actor's features, demonstrates the technical skill of the Katsukawa school. This work serves as a record of both the theatrical performances of the time and the aesthetic preferences of the urban population in Edo. It captures a specific moment of dramatic tension, reflecting the popularity of kabuki culture among the merchant class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-boat-upon-the-waters-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Boat upon the Waters - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426501595471,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426773864783,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426773897551,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426773930319,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426773963087,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426773995855,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426774028623,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426774061391,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426774094159,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426774126927,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426774159695,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426774192463,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Nakamura-Nakaz-as-an-Otokodate_Poster_CompositorV1_1786164484873.jpg?v=1786220644"},{"product_id":"actor-otani-tokuji-as-amakawaya-gihei-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Otani Tokuji as Amakawaya Gihei - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic yakusha-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the actor Otani Tokuji in a dramatic kabuki role with characteristic realism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Otani Tokuji in the role of Amakawaya Gihei. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic approach to portraiture within the yakusha-e genre. Unlike the stylised and idealised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e, the Katsukawa artists focused on capturing the specific facial features and individual expressions of performers on the stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents the actor in a moment of dramatic stillness. The figure is draped in a heavy, deep red garment that contrasts with the pale, neutral background. The artist employs clean, precise lines to define the contours of the actor's posture and the folds of his costume. A circular crest is visible on the apron, serving as a visual identifier for the character or the actor's lineage. The background includes subtle, decorative patterns that provide a sense of setting without distracting from the primary subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, and his work reflects the technical rigour of his training. The print demonstrates the use of a limited, balanced colour palette, which was typical of the period's printing techniques. The focus remains entirely on the theatricality of the performance, capturing the essence of the kabuki stage during the mid-Edo period. This print provides a clear view into the conventions of 18th-century Japanese theatre, where the actor's persona was central to the visual culture of the time. The work is an example of the shift toward greater psychological realism in Japanese printmaking, moving away from the generic types that dominated the earlier decades of the genre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426789101903,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426860831055,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426860863823,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426860896591,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426860929359,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426860962127,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426860994895,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426861027663,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426861060431,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426861093199,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426861125967,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426861158735,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Otani-Tokuji-as-Amakawaya-Gihei_Poster_CompositorV1_1786164613426.jpg?v=1786221222"},{"product_id":"actor-tamazawa-saijiro-as-a-woman-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Tamazawa Saijiro as a Woman - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA traditional Japanese woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicting the kabuki actor Tamazawa Saijiro in a female role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Tamazawa Saijiro in an onnagata role, which is the traditional performance of female characters by male actors. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his yakusha-e, or actor prints, which focused on the specific facial features and expressions of performers rather than the idealised, generic faces common in earlier ukiyo-e works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor standing beneath a flowering cherry branch. The figure wears a dark green kimono adorned with a pattern of cherry blossoms and circular motifs, layered over a pink undergarment. The artist uses a refined line to define the actor's posture and the folds of the heavy fabric. The background remains minimal, allowing the focus to remain on the actor's costume and the subtle expression of the face. The colour palette relies on muted greens, soft pinks, and pale yellows, which are characteristic of the printing techniques used during the mid-Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was particularly noted for his ability to capture the individual likeness of actors, a style that moved away from the flatter, more decorative approaches of his contemporaries. This print demonstrates his attention to the details of the kabuki stage, from the specific hair ornaments to the layered construction of the kimono. The work provides a view into the aesthetic conventions of the 18th-century Japanese theatre, where the art of the actor was documented through these mass-produced prints. The print is a representative example of the Katsukawa school's contribution to the development of realistic portraiture within the ukiyo-e tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426790969679,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426884456783,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426884489551,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426884522319,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426884555087,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426884587855,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426884620623,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426884653391,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426884686159,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426884718927,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426884751695,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426884784463,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Tamazawa-Saijiro-as-a-Woman_Poster_CompositorV1_1786164725131.jpg?v=1786221228"},{"product_id":"actor-bando-mitsugoro-i-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Bando Mitsugoro I - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing the dramatic intensity of kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro I in a refined, minimalist style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro I in a dramatic pose. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which became known for its realistic approach to actor portraits, or yakusha-e. Unlike the stylised and idealised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e, the Katsukawa artists sought to capture the specific facial features and individual expressions of the performers on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the actor, who is shown in a dynamic stance, holding a sword. The lines are precise and controlled, characteristic of the artist's skill in carving and printing. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft earth tones and muted ochres, which allows the viewer to focus on the posture and the intensity of the actor's gaze. The background is minimal, suggesting the stage environment without unnecessary detail. This approach directs all attention to the theatricality of the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, the founder of the school. His work contributed to the development of the large-head portrait, or okubi-e, which would later be refined by artists such as Sharaku. This print captures a moment of tension, typical of the kabuki theatre of the Edo period. The actor's costume, with its layered robes and patterns, is rendered with clarity, showing the attention to detail that defined the period's print culture. The print serves as a record of a specific performance and the persona of a popular actor of the time, reflecting the intersection of popular entertainment and visual art in eighteenth-century Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426913915215,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426951926095,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426951958863,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426951991631,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426952024399,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426952057167,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426952089935,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426952122703,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426952155471,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58426952188239,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58426952221007,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58426952253775,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Bando-Mitsugoro-I_Poster_CompositorV1_1786164964663.jpg?v=1786221506"},{"product_id":"actor-faces-left-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Faces Left - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, capturing a kabuki actor in a detailed, expressive portrait from the late eighteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts a kabuki actor in a characteristic pose. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which became known for its realistic approach to actor portraiture, or yakusha-e. Unlike the more stylised depictions common in earlier periods, the Katsukawa artists focused on capturing the individual features and expressions of performers on the stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor is shown in a three-quarter view, facing left. His costume is rendered with attention to pattern and texture, featuring a green garment adorned with calligraphic motifs. The lines are precise and controlled, typical of the woodblock printing techniques of the late eighteenth century. The background is minimal, suggesting an interior setting with a simple architectural grid above, which directs the viewer's attention to the figure. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft earth tones, muted greens, and subtle ochre to define the form and clothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō. He developed a reputation for his ability to convey the intensity of the kabuki stage. This print demonstrates the school's preference for clarity and directness. The composition is balanced, with the actor's posture providing a sense of movement despite the static nature of the medium. The inclusion of text within the design of the garment is a common feature in ukiyo-e, often referencing the actor's name, the play, or the specific role being performed. This work provides a window into the theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan, where the popularity of kabuki theatre drove a significant demand for prints of famous performers. The print remains a clear example of the technical skill involved in multi-block printing, where each colour required a separate carved block to achieve the final image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58426979975503,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427114455375,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427114488143,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427114520911,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427114553679,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427114586447,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427114619215,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427114651983,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427114684751,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427114717519,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427114750287,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427114783055,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Faces-Left_Poster_CompositorV1_1786165221317.jpg?v=1786221655"},{"product_id":"actor-bando-mitsugoro-i-as-asahina-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Bando Mitsugoro I as Asahina - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting the kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro I in the role of the warrior Asahina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro I in the role of the warrior Asahina. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his contributions to the yakusha-e genre, which focused on portraits of kabuki actors. His work often prioritised the specific facial features and expressions of the performers, moving away from the more generic representations seen in earlier prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor in a dynamic pose, set against a backdrop of arrows. The use of line is precise, defining the folds of the costume and the actor's dramatic makeup. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones that allow the graphic quality of the print to remain the primary focus. The actor's posture and the inclusion of the sword suggest a scene of tension or preparation for combat, a common trope in the theatrical narratives of the Edo period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō's approach to actor portraiture helped define the aesthetic of the Katsukawa school. By focusing on the individual characteristics of the performer, he provided audiences with a more personal connection to the theatre. This print serves as an example of the technical skill involved in mid-Edo period printmaking, where the collaboration between artist, carver, and printer resulted in works that were both mass-produced and highly detailed. The print captures a specific moment of performance, preserving the energy of the kabuki stage through the medium of the woodblock. The arrangement of the arrows behind the figure creates a sense of order, contrasting with the complex patterns of the actor's robes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427028209999,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427172553039,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427172585807,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427172618575,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427172651343,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427172684111,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427172716879,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427172749647,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427172782415,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427172815183,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427172847951,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427172880719,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Bando-Mitsugoro-I-as-Asahina_Poster_CompositorV1_1786165325131.jpg?v=1786221763"},{"product_id":"actor-iwai-hanshiro-iv-as-otani-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Iwai Hanshirō IV as Otani - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting the kabuki actor Iwai Hanshirō IV in a refined, minimalist composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures the actor Iwai Hanshirō IV in the role of Otani. Shunkō was a member of the Katsukawa school, which gained recognition for its realistic depictions of kabuki actors. Unlike the stylised, idealised portraits common in earlier periods, the Katsukawa artists focused on the specific facial features and expressions of the performers. This approach allowed audiences to recognise their favourite actors on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is vertical, typical of the hosoban format used for actor prints. The figure stands against a neutral background, which draws attention to the elaborate kimono patterns and the actor's posture. The artist employs a controlled line quality to define the folds of the fabric and the delicate features of the face. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted earth tones, soft pinks, and subtle greys to create a balanced visual effect. The upper portion of the print features a architectural element, providing a sense of space without cluttering the scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatsukawa Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, the founder of the school. His work reflects the technical precision of the period, particularly in the carving and printing processes required to produce such clean lines and flat areas of colour. This print serves as a record of the kabuki theatre culture in Edo-period Japan, documenting both the fashion of the time and the performative styles of the era. The print is a fine example of the yakusha-e genre, which was dedicated to the depiction of actors. It remains a clear representation of the aesthetic values held by the Katsukawa school during the late eighteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427091878223,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427191165263,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427191198031,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427191230799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427191263567,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427191296335,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427191329103,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427191361871,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427191394639,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427191427407,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427191460175,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427191492943,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Iwai-Hanshir-IV-as-Otani_Poster_CompositorV1_1786165448184.jpg?v=1786221897"},{"product_id":"actor-nakamura-denkuro-2nd-as-a-yako-katsukawa-shunko","title":"Actor Nakamura Denkūrō 2nd as a Yako - Katsukawa Shunkō","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting the kabuki actor Nakamura Denkūrō 2nd in a dramatic performance pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the kabuki actor Nakamura Denkūrō 2nd in the role of a yako, or footman. Shunkō was a student of Katsukawa Shunshō and became known for his focus on the realistic portrayal of actors, a departure from the more stylised depictions common in earlier ukiyo-e. The print captures the actor in a dynamic pose, characteristic of the mie, a climactic moment in a kabuki performance where the actor freezes to express intense emotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is typical of the hosoban format, which was the standard size for actor prints during this period. The figure occupies the majority of the frame, with the actor's posture conveying a sense of physical tension. His costume is rendered with attention to the patterns and folds of the fabric, while the background remains minimal to keep the focus on the performer. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones that have aged with the paper, providing a sense of the print's historical provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShunkō’s approach to portraiture involved a keen observation of facial features, allowing him to capture the specific likeness of the actor rather than a generic mask. This print serves as a record of the theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan, documenting both the costume design and the performance style of the era. The lines are precise, reflecting the skill of the carver who translated the artist's original drawing into the woodblock. As a piece of yakusha-e, or actor print, this work provides a window into the popular entertainment of the time, where the fame of kabuki performers was disseminated through such affordable and widely circulated prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-party-of-merrymakers-in-a-house-in-the-yoshiwara-on-a-moonlight-night-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Party of Merrymakers in a House in the Yoshiwara on a Moonlight Night - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsukawa Shunkō","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427126645071,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427203191119,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58427203223887,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427203256655,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427203289423,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427203322191,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427203354959,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427203387727,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427203420495,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58427203453263,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58427203486031,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58427203518799,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Nakamura-Denk-r-2nd-as-a-Yako_Poster_CompositorV1_1786165444679.jpg?v=1786221963"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/collections\/katsukawa-shunko.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}