Mimasu Daigoro IV as Yamada Takakage - Gosōtei Hirosada

A classic woodblock print by Gosōtei Hirosada depicting the kabuki actor Mimasu Daigoro IV in a dramatic pose from the play A Tale of Valor at Iga Pass.

This woodblock print by Gosōtei Hirosada depicts the actor Mimasu Daigoro IV in the role of Yamada Takakage. The work originates from the series A Tale of Valor at Iga Pass, a popular subject in the mid-nineteenth-century Osaka theatre scene. Hirosada was a prolific designer of kamigata-e, or prints produced in the Kyoto-Osaka region, which often focused on the specific mannerisms and facial expressions of local kabuki performers.

The composition captures the actor in a moment of dramatic tension. He stands partially obscured by a wooden screen, his body angled away from the viewer while his head turns sharply to look back. His expression is one of intense focus, characteristic of the mie pose used in kabuki to freeze a moment of high emotion. The artist employs a restrained colour palette, relying on deep browns, muted teals, and subtle accents of red to define the figure and the architectural setting. The lines are precise and controlled, typical of the refined carving techniques found in Osaka prints of this period.

Unlike the larger, more theatrical prints from Edo, this work reflects the smaller, more intimate format favoured by Osaka collectors. The inclusion of the actor's name and the play title within the cartouches provides clear identification for contemporary audiences. The print functions as a record of a specific performance, preserving the actor's appearance and the costume details of the era. The architectural elements, such as the lantern and the slatted screen, provide a sense of space without overwhelming the central figure. This print offers a view into the visual culture of the Japanese theatre during the late Edo period, documenting the intersection of performance art and printmaking.