Artwork preview

The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō III in the Role of Shimada Jūzaburō, from the series "Image of Actors on Stage"

Utagawa Toyokuni I

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image shows a Japanese woodblock print of an actor in a theatrical role. The man has black hair slicked back with a small topknot. He wears a pink robe with wide sleeves and white trim. Over the robe, he has a long black and gold patterned skirt. The skirt features a swirling circular design with gold floral motifs on a black background. The man wears a wide sash around his waist and a sword at his side. His right leg is bent behind him with his foot visible. His left foot is flat on the ground. The background of the print is a mottled beige color. There is Japanese text on the right side and along the left edge of the print.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1795
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
422 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette