勝川春泉画 三代目大谷廣次|Kabuki Actor Ōtani Hiroji III
1784
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
1784
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
A man in bright stage clothes stands sideways, holding a sword in one hand and a fan in the other. His black robe has gold dots, and his red sash peeks out under a yellow skirt. The background shows a wooden door and a vase with flowers—simple, but the colors pop. This print is a snapshot of a kabuki actor in character, not a real warrior. The bold colors and dramatic pose make him look alive on the page. Want to see more? Check out Katsukawa Shunsen for other prints like this.