Memorial Portrait of the Actor Onoe Kikugoro III 1849

This memorial portrait of the actor Onoe Kikugoro III was made by an anonymous artist using woodblock printmaking, a demanding and highly skilled process. The materials are simple: paper, ink, and wood. But the way the artist has deployed them results in a compelling image. Note the flat planes of color, and the expressive lines. The carving of the woodblocks is also remarkable. Every line, every shape had to be painstakingly cut to create the final design, requiring incredible precision. Woodblock prints like this one were an essential part of the celebrity culture of Edo-period Japan, and were distributed widely, contributing to the growth of a more democratic visual culture. This print acknowledges the labor involved in its production, as well as celebrating the artistry of Onoe Kikugoro III. Hopefully, this exploration of materials, techniques, and context has helped you gain a deeper understanding of the artwork. In doing so, it allows us to reflect on the rich blend of craft, commerce, and artistic expression.