The Actor Nakamura Utaemon

A second impression of this Hasui composition depicting an actor from the Nakamura Utaemon kabuki dynasty, the print represents an unusual excursion into theatrical portraiture for an artist best known for landscape work. The shin-hanga period saw publisher Watanabe Shōzaburō commission actor prints alongside landscapes and bijin-ga as part of a diversified publishing strategy appealing to different collector markets. The figure would likely be shown in a pose associated with a particular role or scene from the kabuki repertoire, the elaborate wig and kumadori face paint rendered through careful separation of color blocks. Compared to this artist's landscape work, the compositional demands are reversed: instead of broad atmospheric passages requiring smooth bokashi gradations, a yakusha-e requires fine, controlled carving of close-worked costume patterns and the intricate detailing of theatrical makeup.