The Actor Kataoka Nizaemon in Ceremonial Robes of Green and Pink, Drawing His Sword - Utagawa Toyokuni I
Archival giclée
Frames arrive ready to hang
Secure checkout
Made to order
Description
A classic woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I depicting the kabuki actor Kataoka Nizaemon in a dramatic sword-drawing pose.
This woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I captures the kabuki actor Kataoka Nizaemon in a moment of high tension. The composition focuses on the actor's posture as he draws his sword, a classic pose known as a mie. Toyokuni I, a master of the Utagawa school, was particularly known for his yakusha-e, or actor prints, which were popular among the urban population of Edo period Japan. These prints functioned as both promotional material for theatre productions and as collectable portraits of famous performers. The actor is depicted wearing a green kimono layered over a patterned garment featuring floral motifs. The colour palette remains restrained, relying on muted greens, soft pinks, and earthy tones against a neutral background. The line work is precise, defining the actor's facial expression, which is exaggerated to convey the intensity of the character he portrays on stage. The sword, held horizontally across the torso, creates a diagonal line that guides the viewer's eye across the figure. Toyokuni I was instrumental in the development of the actor print genre. His work often prioritised the individual characteristics of the performer, moving away from the more stylised, uniform faces seen in earlier prints. This specific work demonstrates his ability to balance the decorative elements of the costume with the dynamic energy of the theatrical performance. The print is a representative example of the technical skill involved in the production of ukiyo-e, from the initial drawing to the carving of the woodblocks and the final application of pigment. It offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Japanese theatre during the early nineteenth century, where the boundaries between the performer and the character were frequently blurred for the audience.
Return policy
Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
The Actor Kataoka Nizaemon in Ceremonial Robes of Green and Pink, Drawing His Sword - Utagawa Toyokuni I
Artist Biography
Utagawa Toyokuni I
He was born in 1769, the son of a puppet maker. He studied under Utagawa Toyoharu, founder of the Utagawa school, and followed convention by taking one syllable of his master's name. His early work synthesised the styles of Utamaro, Eishi and Choki through close study and relentless practice. By the mid-1790s he had found his own voice. Yakusha Butai no Sugatae (Portraits of Actors in Their Various Roles), a series of large polychrome prints produced between 1794 and 1796, showed kabuki actors costumed and posed on stage rather than seated in formal dress. The series was a commercial triumph and set the standard for actor portraiture for the next generation.
He also excelled at bijin-ga, pictures of beautiful women, establishing compositions that ukiyo-e artists followed for decades. His innovations extended to format: he pioneered the use of diptych, triptych and polyptych arrangements that allowed more complex narrative compositions than the single sheet could hold.
As demand surged, Toyokuni's studio expanded until his personal involvement in each print became nominal. The quality of his later work declined, but the school he built survived him. His two most gifted pupils, Kunisada and Kuniyoshi, became major figures in their own right, and the Utagawa school dominated ukiyo-e production through the final decades of the Edo period. He died in 1825.
Our Features
Designed for Lasting Impact
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
Artist Biography
Utagawa Toyokuni I
He was born in 1769, the son of a puppet maker. He studied under Utagawa Toyoharu, founder of the Utagawa school, and followed convention by taking one syllable of his master's name. His early work synthesised the styles of Utamaro, Eishi and Choki through close study and relentless practice. By the mid-1790s he had found his own voice. Yakusha Butai no Sugatae (Portraits of Actors in Their Various Roles), a series of large polychrome prints produced between 1794 and 1796, showed kabuki actors costumed and posed on stage rather than seated in formal dress. The series was a commercial triumph and set the standard for actor portraiture for the next generation.
He also excelled at bijin-ga, pictures of beautiful women, establishing compositions that ukiyo-e artists followed for decades. His innovations extended to format: he pioneered the use of diptych, triptych and polyptych arrangements that allowed more complex narrative compositions than the single sheet could hold.
As demand surged, Toyokuni's studio expanded until his personal involvement in each print became nominal. The quality of his later work declined, but the school he built survived him. His two most gifted pupils, Kunisada and Kuniyoshi, became major figures in their own right, and the Utagawa school dominated ukiyo-e production through the final decades of the Edo period. He died in 1825.
You May Also Like