{"product_id":"ichikawa-danjuro-vii-as-arajishi-otokonosuke-utagawa-kunisada","title":"Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Arajishi Otokonosuke - Utagawa Kunisada","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada capturing the intense stage presence of Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Arajishi Otokonosuke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada depicts the celebrated Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII in the role of Arajishi Otokonosuke. Kunisada, a prolific master of the Utagawa school, produced numerous portraits of actors during the Edo period, capturing the intensity of the stage within the confines of the print medium. The composition focuses on the actor's upper body, emphasising the exaggerated facial expression known as mie, which serves to heighten the dramatic tension of the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor is shown with the distinctive makeup and hairstyle associated with the character of Otokonosuke, a figure known for his strength and resolve. The bold lines of the face, particularly the eyes and mouth, reflect the stylised nature of Kabuki theatre. Behind the figure, a decorative screen featuring floral motifs provides a contrast to the actor's stern demeanour. The use of a dark background helps to isolate the subject, drawing the viewer's attention to the actor's posture and the specific details of his costume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKunisada's work is characterised by a clear sense of line and a balanced use of colour. The print demonstrates the technical skill involved in the woodblock process, where multiple blocks were carved and printed to achieve the final image. The inclusion of Japanese calligraphy in the upper section of the print provides context, likely identifying the actor, the role, and perhaps the specific play or theatre where the performance took place. This print offers a glimpse into the popular culture of 19th-century Japan, where Kabuki actors were treated as celebrities and their likenesses were highly sought after by the public. The print remains a record of both the theatrical traditions of the time and the artistic output of one of the most productive print designers of the 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\/view-of-tokyo-snow-scene-utagawa-hiroshige-ii\" 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;\"\u003eView of Tokyo, Snow Scene - Utagawa Hiroshige II — Utagawa Hiroshige II\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/yokkaichi-view-of-the-mie-river-utagawa-hiroshige-1\" 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;\"\u003eYokkaichi: View of the Mie River - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Utagawa Kunisada","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58723327443279,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58723331637583,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58723331670351,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58723331703119,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58723331735887,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58723331768655,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58723331801423,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58723331834191,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58723331866959,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58723331899727,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58723331932495,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58723331965263,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Ichikawa-Danj-r-VII-as-Arajishi-Otokonosuke_Poster_CompositorV1_1788952173190.jpg?v=1788952554","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/products\/ichikawa-danjuro-vii-as-arajishi-otokonosuke-utagawa-kunisada","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}