Otani Tomomatsu as Ono no Sadakuro Counting the Stolen Gold Coins - Kitagawa Toyohide

A striking woodblock print by Kitagawa Toyohide featuring the kabuki actor Otani Tomomatsu in a dramatic scene from the tale of the forty-seven ronin.

This woodblock print by Kitagawa Toyohide depicts the kabuki actor Otani Tomomatsu in the role of the character Ono no Sadakuro. The scene captures a moment from the narrative of the forty-seven ronin, a story frequently adapted for the stage during the Edo period. The actor is shown in a close-up, or okubi-e, composition, which focuses on the facial expression and upper torso to convey the intensity of the character. He holds a small container of gold coins, his gaze fixed upon the object with a mixture of greed and suspicion.

The print follows the conventions of the Ukiyo-e school, employing bold outlines and flat areas of colour. The background is divided into two distinct sections. The upper portion features a cartouche containing a botanical illustration of narcissus, providing a quiet contrast to the dramatic tension below. The lower portion is dominated by the actor, whose dark robes and stark white skin create a high-contrast visual effect. The use of deep blue in the background serves to push the figure forward, ensuring that the focus remains on the actor's performance.

Kitagawa Toyohide was active during the mid-nineteenth century, a period when the popularity of kabuki prints remained high. These works functioned as both promotional material for theatre productions and as collectable items for fans of the stage. The inclusion of the series title, Biographies of the Famous and Loyal Retainers, suggests that this print was part of a larger set documenting various characters from the well-known historical drama. The print demonstrates the technical skill of the carvers and printers of the time, who were able to translate the nuances of the actor's makeup and the texture of the fabric into the woodblock medium.