Portrait of Kansake Yagoro Noriyasu
Original title: Portrait of Kansake Yagoro Noriyasu
kurzbeschreibung
Utagawa Kuniyoshi created this color woodblock print in 1852. It depicts the samurai Kansake Yagoro Noriyasu in traditional attire, holding a sword blade in his hand. The sheet belongs to 19th-century ukiyo-e.
Description
A samurai stands centrally, wearing traditional Japanese clothing with a sash and holding a sword blade. His expression is serious and determined. Stylized leaves and flowers fill the background, suggesting autumn. Strong colors, especially red, blue, and gray, dominate the image. An oval frame with Japanese characters sits at the top edge.
Context
The portrait dates to 1852, late in the Edo period, when ukiyo-e prints were widely circulated. Kansake Yagoro Noriyasu is a historical figure who often appears in series of hero portraits. Such prints served the admiration of samurai ideals and were highly popular among the urban population.
Impact
The symmetrical layout and central placement of the samurai give the sheet a calm, dignified presence. The serious expression and bold colors convey strength and resolve, emphasizing the figure's heroic aura.
Technique
Several woodblocks were cut for this print, one for each color, and printed in precise registration. Ink and color were thus transferred to the paper. The clear lines and strong color contrast are typical of ukiyo-e printmaking.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)