Kabuki Legends on Stage — Gochōtei Sadahiro's 1849 Woodblock Print ⛩️

⛩️ Today we introduce a masterpiece nishiki-e (polychrome woodblock print) created in Osaka in 1849 — a vivid window into the golden age of Edo-period Kabuki theatre. 🎴

About the Artwork

On the right stands Ichikawa Ebizō V, one of the most celebrated Kabuki actors of the 19th century, portrayed here in the role of Nippon Daiemon — a noble outlaw who steals only from the corrupt and unjust, a figure often compared to Japan's own Robin Hood.

On the left, Kataoka Gadō plays Tokushima Gohei, caught off guard as Nippon Daiemon launches a sudden, dramatic attack. The tension and theatricality of the scene are captured with remarkable skill by the artist. 🌸

About the Artist: Gochōtei Sadahiro

Gochōtei Sadahiro (active c. 1819–1863) was an Osaka-based ukiyo-e artist renowned for his yakusha-e (actor portraits). Working in a style distinct from the Edo school, he produced numerous celebrated works depicting the stars of the Kamigata (Osaka/Kyoto) Kabuki world. His use of the yokoōban chūban (horizontal medium format) is a hallmark of his distinctive compositional approach.

Ichikawa Ebizō V — A Legend of the Stage

Ichikawa Ebizō V was a towering figure in 19th-century Kabuki, commanding audiences in both Edo and Osaka. His performances were immortalized by numerous ukiyo-e artists of the era, and this print stands as a testament to his enduring fame. 🎭

Explore the Atelier UKIYO Collection

At Atelier UKIYO, we celebrate the timeless beauty of ukiyo-e art through premium art prints inspired by the masters of the Edo period. Bring the drama and elegance of Kabuki into your living space.

🌸 Available as posters, framed prints, apparel, and accessories — explore our collection and find your perfect piece of Japanese art history.