The Actor Ichikawa Omezo I as Koyurugi Motomenosuke - Katsukawa Shunkō

A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting the kabuki actor Ichikawa Omezo I in a dramatic theatrical pose.

This woodblock print depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Omezo I in the role of Koyurugi Motomenosuke. Produced by Katsukawa Shunkō, a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, the work belongs to the yakusha-e genre, which focuses on portraits of actors from the popular theatre of Edo-period Japan. The artist captures the performer in a dynamic pose, holding a sword and a branch, suggesting a moment of dramatic tension from the play Haru no Nishiki Date-zome Soga.

Shunkō is recognised for his realistic approach to actor portraiture, moving away from the stylised, uniform faces found in earlier prints. In this composition, the artist employs a limited palette of muted earth tones, ochre, and soft greys, which allows the focus to remain on the actor's facial expression and the lines of his costume. The figure is set against a minimal background, a common technique in the Katsukawa school to ensure the subject remains the primary interest. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the period, with clear outlines and subtle colour application that define the fabric patterns and the texture of the pine branch.

As a piece of historical documentation, this print provides insight into the aesthetic conventions of the Nakamura Theater during the late eighteenth century. The actor's posture and the specific details of his attire reflect the fashion and performance styles of the era. This museum-grade reproduction preserves the original composition, offering a view into the artistic traditions of the Ukiyo-e movement. It is a representative example of the collaboration between actors, publishers, and artists that defined the commercial art scene in Edo.