Katsukawa Shunshō Collection

The Actor Nakamura Noshio I as the Goddes Benzaiten of Enoshima in the Play Onno Aruji... c. 1773. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Noshio I as the Goddes Benzaiten of Enoshima in the Play Onno Aruji Hatsuyuki no Sekai, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1773, Japan, c. 1773

Actor Bando Mitsugoro I (image 1 of 2), 1770s-mid 1780s. Creator: Shunsho
Actor Bando Mitsugoro I (image 1 of 2), 1770s-mid 1780s

Narihira Watching Court Ladies of Oshu Province, c1766. Creator: Shunsho
Narihira Watching Court Ladies of Oshu Province, c1766. Series: Tales of Ise in Iroha Order

Narihira's Servant Delivering a Letter to Takako, c1766. Creator: Shunsho
Narihira's Servant Delivering a Letter to Takako, c1766. Series: Tales of Ise in Iroha Order

Narihira Kneeling before Prince Koretaka, c1766. Creator: Shunsho
Narihira Kneeling before Prince Koretaka, c1766. Series: Tales of Ise in Iroha Order

A Mirror of Competing Beauties of the Green Houses (image 20 of 20), 1776. Creators: Shunsho, Kitao Shigemasa
A Mirror of Competing Beauties of the Green Houses (image 20 of 20), 1776

Actor Bando Mitsugoro I (image 2 of 2), 1770s-mid 1780s. Creator: Shunsho
Actor Bando Mitsugoro I (image 2 of 2), 1770s-mid 1780s

Wrestlers Kajigahama Rikiemon and Sekinoto Hachiroji, with the Umpire Kimura Shonosuke, 1785. Creator: Shunsho
Wrestlers Kajigahama Rikiemon and Sekinoto Hachiroji, with the Umpire Kimura Shonosuke, 1785

The Poetress Murasaki Shikibu with a poem about the moon at midnight (image 2 of 2), c1775. Creator: Shunsho
The Poetress Murasaki Shikibu with a poem about the moon at midnight (image 2 of 2), c1775. From One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets

The Poetress Murasaki Shikibu with a poem about the moon at midnight (image 1 of 2), c1775. Creator: Shunsho
The Poetress Murasaki Shikibu with a poem about the moon at midnight (image 1 of 2), c1775. From One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets

Abalone Fishergirl with an Octopus, between circa 1773 and circa 1774. Creator: Shunsho
Abalone Fishergirl with an Octopus, between circa 1773 and circa 1774

Katano: Admiring the Scattered Cherry Blossoms, between circa 1772 and circa 1773. Creator: Shunsho
Katano: Admiring the Scattered Cherry Blossoms, between circa 1772 and circa 1773

Narihira at the Sumida River Watching Capital Birds, c1766. Creator: Shunsho
Narihira at the Sumida River Watching Capital Birds, c1766. From Tales of Ise in Iroha Order

The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Kajiwara Genta no Kagetoki (?), in the Play Myoto-giku... c. 1772. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Kajiwara Genta no Kagetoki (?), in the Play Myoto-giku Izu no Kisewata, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1770, Japan, c. 1772

The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Hito-maru Disguised as the Courtesan Chiyozaki, in the... c. 1775. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Hito-maru Disguised as the Courtesan Chiyozaki, in the Play Kuruwa no Hana Katsuragi no Kane, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the third Month, 1775, Japan, c

The Actor Nakamura Noshio I as the Spirit of the Courtesan Takao, in the Shosagoto Danc... c. 1772. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Noshio I as the Spirit of the Courtesan Takao, in the Shosagoto Dance Sequence "Sono Utsushi-e Matsu ni Kaede" (A Shadow-Picture of Pine and Maple)

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Soga no Goro Disguised as a Komuso in the Play... c. 1771. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Soga no Goro Disguised as a Komuso in the Play Sakai-cho Soga Nendaiki, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the First Month, 1771, Japan, c. 1771

The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Ono Sadakuro in the Play Kanadehon Chushingura... c. 1776. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Ono Sadakuro in the Play Kanadehon Chushingura, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Fifth Month, 1776, Japan, c. 1776

The Actor Arashi Sangoro II as Asahina Saburo in the Play Iro Maki-e Soga no Sakazuki... c. 1773. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Arashi Sangoro II as Asahina Saburo in the Play Iro Maki-e Soga no Sakazuki, Performed at the Morita Theater in the First Month, 1773, Japan, c. 1773

The Actors Ichikawa Danjuro V as Momonoi Wakasanosuke (right), and Nakamura Nakazo I as... c. 1771. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Ichikawa Danjuro V as Momonoi Wakasanosuke (right), and Nakamura Nakazo I as Kakogawa Honzo (left), in the Play Kanadehon Chushingura, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Fifth Month

The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Soga no Juro Sukenari Disguised as the Proefessional Jes... c. 1769. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Soga no Juro Sukenari Disguised as the Proefessional Jester Senraku (?) in the Play Soga Moyo Aigo no Wakamatsu (?), Performed at the Nakamura Theater ()

The Actor Nakamura Matsue I as Kasaya Sankatsu (?) in the Play Hana no Gosho... c. 1772. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Matsue I as Kasaya Sankatsu (?) in the Play Hana no Gosho Konegen Butai (?), Performed at the Nakamura Theater (?) in the Eighth Month, 1772 (?), Japan, c. 1772

The Actor Nakamura Noshio I as Oiso no Tora (?) in the Play Shida Yuzuriha Horai Soga (?)... c1775. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Noshio I as Oiso no Tora (?) in the Play Shida Yuzuriha Horai Soga (?), Performed at the Morita Theater (?) in the First Month, 1775 (?), Japan, c. 1775

The Actors Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Hata no Daizen Taketora Disguised as the Yakko Matahe... c. 1781. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Hata no Daizen Taketora Disguised as the Yakko Matahei (right), and Iwai Hanshiro IV as Umegae Disguised as the Poem-Diviner Omatsu (left)

The Actor Otani Hiroji III, Probably as Ukishima Daihachi in the Play Shinasadame Soma... c. 1770. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Otani Hiroji III, Probably as Ukishima Daihachi in the Play Shinasadame Soma no Mombi (Comparing Merits: Festival Day at Soma)

Ri: The Well Curb, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu...c.1772/73)
Ri: The Well Curb, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

To: Sumida River, Musashi and Shimosa Provinces, from the series "Tales of Ise in... c. 1772/73. Creator: Shunsho
To: Sumida River, Musashi and Shimosa Provinces, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

He: Mt. Fuji, Suruga Province, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade... c. 1772/73
He: Mt. Fuji, Suruga Province, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Ha: Guards at the "Love Passage, " from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable... c. 1772/73
Ha: Guards at the "Love Passage, " from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Chi: Musashi Plain, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu...c1772/73 Creator)
Chi: Musashi Plain, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

U: Narihira Presents a Chancellor with a Model of a Pheasant, from the series "Tales... c. 1772/73
U: Narihira Presents a Chancellor with a Model of a Pheasant, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Mu: Clapping the Hands to Effect a Curse, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable... c1772/73
Mu: Clapping the Hands to Effect a Curse, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Ra: Narihira Requests a Painting from a Former Lover, from the series "Tales of Ise in... c1772/73
Ra: Narihira Requests a Painting from a Former Lover, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Na: Nunobiki Waterfall, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures... c1772/73
Na: Nunobiki Waterfall, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Ne: Brine Carriers, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures.. c. 1772/73. Creator: Shunsho
Ne: Brine Carriers, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Ro: Seaweed, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu... c. 1772/73. Creator: Shunsho)
Ro: Seaweed, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Tsu: Narihira in the Snow at Ono, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable... c. 1772/73. Creator: Shunsho
Tsu: Narihira in the Snow at Ono, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

So: A Coquettish Woman, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures... c.1772/73
So: A Coquettish Woman, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Re: The Imperial Huntsman, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade.. c. 1772/73. Creator: Shunsho
Re: The Imperial Huntsman, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Ta: Purification Ceremony to Remove the Pains of Love, from the series "Tales of Ise... c. 1772/73
Ta: Purification Ceremony to Remove the Pains of Love, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Ka: A Court Lady Thinks Disconsolately of Her Lover, from the series "Tales of Ise in... c.1772/73
Ka: A Court Lady Thinks Disconsolately of Her Lover, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Wa: Young Grass, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu... c.1772/73)
Wa: Young Grass, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

O: Catalpa Bow, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu... c.1772/73)
O: Catalpa Bow, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Ru: Northern Province, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures... c. 1772/73
Ru: Northern Province, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

Nu: Crossing Tatsuta, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures... c. 1772/73
Nu: Crossing Tatsuta, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

I: Coming of Age, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures... c. 1772/73. Creator: Shunsho
I: Coming of Age, from the series "Tales of Ise in Fashionable Brocade Pictures (Furyu nishiki-e Ise monogatari)", Japan, c. 1772/73

The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Onio Shinzaemon (?) in the Play Bunshin Sugatami Soga (?)... c. 1765. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Onio Shinzaemon (?) in the Play Bunshin Sugatami Soga (?), Performed at the Morita Theater (?) in the Second Month, 1765 (?), Japan, c. 1765

The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Princess Sakura (Sakura Hime) in the Play Wada Sakamori... c. 1773. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Princess Sakura (Sakura Hime) in the Play Wada Sakamori Eiga Kagami, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Third Month, 1773, Japan, c. 1773

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Katsukawa Shunshō was a renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artist who left an indelible mark on the world of woodblock prints. His works captured the essence and beauty of Kabuki actors, showcasing their talent and charisma. In one of his masterpieces, we see Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a female role, delicately holding an incense burner. The vibrant colors bring life to this full-length portrait, highlighting the actor's grace and poise. Shunshō's artistry also extended to capturing the strength and power of wrestlers from the Eastern Group. In another print, Uzugafuchi stands tall on the right while Onogawa emanates determination on the left. These full-length portraits showcase their muscular physiques with intricate details that make them come alive. One cannot overlook Shunshō's ability to depict mythical characters as well. Yamashita Kinsaku II takes center stage as a Thunder Goddess in "Onna Narukami. " The artist skillfully portrays her divine presence through elaborate costumes and expressive features. Matsumoto Koshiro III shines as Matsuo-maru in "Ayatsuri Kabuki Ogi, " captivating viewers with his theatrical prowess. Shunshō captures every nuance of his character, from facial expressions to body language, transporting us into the world of kabuki theater. Not limited to male roles alone, Otani Hiroji III mesmerizes audiences as Akaneya Hanshichi in "Fuji no Yuki Kaikei Soga. " Shunshō expertly depicts him with meticulous attention to detail, allowing us to feel his intensity and passion for performance. Watanabe Kiou Takiguchi portrayed by Ichikawa Danjuro V is brought vividly to life by Shunshō's skilled hands in "Nue no Mori Ichiyo. " The actor exudes strength and determination through his posture and facial expression, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.