Ichikawa Ebizo V c. 1835 - 1839

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print, Ichikawa Ebizo V, which now resides in the Rijksmuseum. Kunisada was a leading designer of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in nineteenth-century Japan, a time when the country was undergoing immense social and political change. Prints such as this one served as a form of celebrity portraiture. They capture the likeness and persona of famous Kabuki actors, like Ichikawa Ebizo V, who was known for his dynamic stage presence and portrayals of powerful, often heroic, characters. Here, the actor is depicted in character, sword in hand, embodying courage and intensity. Kunisada uses bold lines and vibrant colors to amplify the actor’s presence. This print not only reflects the popularity of Kabuki theater but also the cultural values placed on heroism, masculinity, and the performing arts during the Edo period. It’s a snapshot of a star and a society that revered them, capturing a moment of dramatic tension that continues to resonate.