Description
Ōtani Hiroemon III bends forward toward a broad gray field of water, his pale legs exposed beneath a red-and-white checked upper garment. A sword extends down and to the right, following the figure’s inclination. Katsukawa Shunshō brings actor, weapon and sea into relation, giving the named performer’s portrayal a distinct moment of readiness at the water’s edge.
Dating to around 1775, the color woodblock print uses ink and color on paper. It turns a stage-related subject into a lasting image where the portrayed character can be considered outside the rhythm of performance. The work invites attention to a specific moment of readiness, retaining the distinction between actor and role without supplying unsupported motives, events or consequences.
Read our guide to giclée prints or browse the Katsukawa Shunshō collection.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.