The Third Segawa Kikunojo as a Courtesan Standing in the Snow

Description

Segawa Kikunojō III portrays a courtesan in a long dark-purple robe with a pale side sleeve beneath a bare snowy tree. Snow flecks and the spreading branches give the extended costume a distinct seasonal setting. Katsukawa Shunshō joins the named actor’s female role to winter surroundings, inviting attention to the contrast between elaborate dress and the spare forms of the landscape.

Katsukawa Shunshō’s color woodblock print is probably from 1775. Its ink-and-color medium gives a performance a lasting presence, allowing the actor’s portrayal to be considered outside the theater. The work’s interest lies in the meeting of person, role and season, where the named performer remains distinct from the character while the setting helps give that character a particular moment.

Read our guide to giclée prints or browse the Katsukawa Shunshō collection.