Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Kezori Kyūemon - Fukuda Kumajirō

A woodblock print from the Meiji period depicting the Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō IX in his role as the pirate Kezori Kyūemon.

This woodblock print depicts the celebrated Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō IX in the role of the pirate Kezori Kyūemon. The work belongs to the Meiji period, a time when traditional Japanese theatre arts were documented through the medium of ukiyo-e. The actor is shown with the exaggerated facial expressions and heavy makeup characteristic of the aragoto style, which emphasises power and intensity in performance. The figure wears a garment adorned with dragon motifs, rendered in a palette of deep plum, gold, and muted green. The composition focuses on the upper torso and head, allowing the viewer to observe the specific details of the actor's wig and the stylised lines of his beard. The background is a flat, neutral tone, which directs attention to the subject. The print includes traditional cartouches containing Japanese calligraphy, which provide context regarding the actor and the specific theatrical production. Fukuda Kumajirō produced this work as part of a series documenting the performances of Danjūrō IX. The print demonstrates the technical precision of late nineteenth-century woodblock printing, where multiple blocks were used to achieve the registration of colours and the fine lines of the actor's features. The depiction captures the performative nature of the Kabuki stage, freezing a moment of dramatic tension. The use of colour is balanced, with the dark tones of the clothing contrasting against the lighter skin and background. This piece offers a glimpse into the intersection of popular theatre and print culture in late nineteenth-century Japan.