The Actor the Fourth Danjuro with His Chin in His Hand Leaning on the Handle of a Large Black Axe

Description

Ichikawa Danjūrō IV stands in a striped robe with a hand at the chin, leaning against the handle of an oversized dark axe. Red hair and the substantial object give his otherwise restrained pose strong accents. Katsukawa Shunshō makes the actor’s posture and prop central to the encounter, allowing their contrast to remain engaging without assigning an unsupported dramatic identity.

The 1770 color woodblock print uses ink and color on paper. It carries the actor’s portrayal beyond the stage into a lasting image that can be considered through its visible relationships. The work’s appeal lies in that specific arrangement, allowing the contrast between person and object to remain engaging without assigning unsupported emotions or explaining an uncertain character’s intentions.

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