Ichikawa Yaozo II as a Otokodate Standing by a Bench
1780
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1780
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Ichikawa Yaozo II as a Otokodate Standing by a Bench is a 1780 by Katsukawa Shunshō, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
The painting depicts a man standing by a bench, dressed in traditional Japanese attire. He wears a striped robe and holds a sword at his side, with his right hand resting on the hilt. His hair is styled in an updo, and he has a serious expression on his face. The background of the painting is a muted color, which helps to focus attention on the subject. The man's pose and attire suggest that he is a member of the otokodate, a group of men known for their bravery and honor. The sword at his side is a symbol of his status and power. The painting's use of muted colors and simple composition creates a sense of calm and serenity, which contrasts with the subject's serious expression. This painting is reminiscent of the work of Katsukawa Shunshō, a Japanese artist known for his portraits of actors and warriors.
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.
See the richer artist page