This finely preserved Japanese woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900) depicts a kabuki actor in a striking blue robe decorated with floral motifs, holding his sword beneath a woven hat. Kunichika, one of the last great masters of ukiyo-e, was celebrated for his expressive portraits of kabuki performers and vivid use of color during the Meiji period (1868–1912).
His dynamic compositions captured both the drama of the stage and the psychology of the performer — a hallmark of his late style. The subtle shading of the background and the refined patterns of the costume reveal Kunichika’s mastery of printing technique and his enduring fascination with theatrical subjects.
Mounted in a contemporary frame for preservation and display.
