Yoshizawa Iroha as a Woman (Tomoe Gozen?) Standing on the Bank

Description

Yoshizawa Iroha portrays a woman with elaborate hair and long, trailing patterned robes beside a low railing. The title tentatively identifies the role as Tomoe Gozen, but that possibility should remain open rather than becoming a certainty. Katsukawa Shunshō’s portrait invites attention to the actor’s presentation of a female character, where the extended costume gives the upright figure a carefully composed presence.

Katsukawa Shunshō’s color woodblock print dates to 1774 or 1775. Made with ink and color on paper, it preserves a theatrical presence while leaving part of its identification open. That restraint allows the work to remain engaging as a portrayal, inviting attention to the character represented without turning an uncertain name into a false certainty about the scene.

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