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A detailed Katsukawa Shunkō ukiyo-e woodblock print of Ichikawa Monnosuke II performing the heroic Kabuki role, a timeless piece of Japanese fine art.

Katsukawa Shunkō Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a Shibaraku Performance Print

£16.00 GBP
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A Timeless Act of Defiance: Discover the Grandeur of Kabuki 🇯🇵🎨

This isn't just wall art; it’s a portal to the golden age of Kabuki theatre. This particular piece captures a powerful and climactic moment known as a mie, where the actor strikes a dynamic pose to make a lasting impression on the audience. It’s a moment of theatrical genius that Katsukawa Shunkō has immortalised with incredible detail and emotion.

Katsukawa Shunkō I was a master of the ukiyo-e style, creating woodblock prints and paintings in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). He was a notable student of the celebrated artist Katsukawa Shunshō and is credited with a groundbreaking innovation in Japanese printmaking: the first large-head actor portraits, known as ōkubi-e. These prints focused on the expressive faces of the actors, capturing their persona with unprecedented intimacy. 🖼️

The Ichikawa family, a dynasty of legendary Kabuki actors, were famous for their heroic Shibaraku roles. The actor depicted here, Monnosuke II, is shown in his full theatrical glory, wearing a distinctive persimmon red robe. Look closely and you'll spot the family crest of three nested squares (mimasu) on his large sleeves a subtle yet powerful symbol of his lineage and status. His face is painted with striking red lines on white makeup, a technique known as kumadori, which exaggerates the facial expressions and character’s persona. Paired with an elaborate wig, it’s a breathtaking image of artistry and performance.

🎨 Why Choose This Art Print?
This isn’t just any reproduction. Our fine art posters use cutting-edge giclée fine art 12-colour printing technology to ensure every subtle hue is faithfully rendered. The smooth matte finish on FSC-certified paper keeps your art print glare-free and eco-friendly, perfect for collectors who care about sustainability and quality alike. What's more, ART SNOB prints every image at over 350 dpi, ensuring ultra-sharp clarity and incredible definition that truly stands out.

🌿 Key Features of Our Fine Art Posters:

  • Vivid Colour: 12-colour giclée printing for museum-quality tones.

  • Eco-Friendly: FSC-certified, sustainably sourced paper.

  • Smooth Matte Finish: Minimal glare for a clean, gallery-like presentation.

  • Customisable Sizes: Fits any frame or space.