二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Shinozuka in a Shibaraku (Stop Right There!) Scene
11
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
11
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
This print shows a kabuki actor in a dramatic pose. He’s wearing a tall, red wig and a patterned robe, holding a fan and a sword. Behind him is a red curtain with a white symbol, and his feet rest on a torn cloth. The lines on his face and clothes are sharp and bold. Kabuki actors often played multiple roles, and this one looks fierce—like he’s ready for action. The print was made in 1790 by a Japanese artist who specialized in capturing actors. Next, check out kabuki actor performances to see how these poses translate to real stage moves.
