The Actors Arashi Kitsusaburō II and Arashi Koroku IV - Gigadō Ashiyuki

A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Gigadō Ashiyuki, depicting two Kabuki actors in a dramatic theatrical scene.

This woodblock print by Gigadō Ashiyuki captures a moment from the Kabuki theatre, featuring the actors Arashi Kitsusaburō II in the role of the hairdresser Kamiyui Tasuke, and Arashi Koroku IV as the lancer Gonza. Ashiyuki was a prominent artist of the Kamigata school, which focused on the theatrical culture of Osaka. Unlike the Edo-based artists who often favoured idealised beauty, the Kamigata style frequently prioritised a realistic depiction of the actors, capturing their specific facial features and expressions.

The composition is dominated by the two figures, whose upper bodies occupy the frame. The use of a large, red lantern in the upper left corner provides a graphic anchor for the scene, while the yellow background creates a flat, decorative space typical of the period. The actors wear patterned kimonos, with the contrast between the dark, grid-like fabric of the lancer and the lighter, floral-patterned garment of the hairdresser creating a visual balance. The print utilises the nishiki-e technique, which allowed for the application of multiple colours to create a refined, multi-layered image.

Ashiyuki was active during the early nineteenth century and is known for his contributions to the genre of actor prints, or yakusha-e. These works functioned as promotional material for theatre-goers, documenting specific performances and the popularity of individual actors. The print demonstrates the technical skill of the carvers and printers of the time, who managed to translate the expressive lines of the artist into a durable, mass-produced format. The work remains a record of the aesthetic preferences and theatrical traditions of the Osaka region during the late Edo period.