Artwork

Kataoka Nizaemon VII and Ichikawa Yaozo III in a Confrontation Beside a Waterfall

Kataoka Nizaemon VII and Ichikawa Yaozo III in a Confrontation Beside a Waterfall is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyokuni I. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Utagawa Toyokuni's c.

Accession no.: 1921.1260
Credit line: Gift from J. H. Wade

About this work

Overview

Utagawa Toyokuni's c. 1797 print, 'Kataoka Nizaemon VII and Ichikawa Yaozo III in a Confrontation Beside a Waterfall', captures a tense moment between two figures poised for combat beside a waterfall, now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dramatic confrontation between two identifiable actors, Kataoka Nizaemon VII (in red robe and black striped pants, dynamically positioned with sword at the ready) and Ichikawa Yaozo III (in white robe and red pants, preparing to engage), set against the powerful backdrop of a waterfall, amplifying the scene's tension and energy.

Technique & Style

While the source mistakenly references Romanticism (a Western movement not applicable here), the actual technique and style of the print are characteristic of late 18th-century Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printing, notable for its vivid colors, dynamic composition, and the use of a waterfall to enhance the emotional intensity of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created around 1797 by Utagawa Toyokuni, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific details about its creation context or previous ownership are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work reflects the ukiyo-e tradition's fascination with capturing moments from theatre (likely kabuki, given the subjects) and nature, blending human drama with the sublime power of the natural world to engage contemporary audiences.

Legacy

As a representative of late 18th-century ukiyo-e, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Japanese woodblock printing's influence on global art, though its individual impact or direct inspirations are not detailed in the provided sources.