Snow; The Actor Onoe Baikō V as Iwakura no Sōgen
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Snow; The Actor Onoe Baikō V as Iwakura no Sōgen, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
"Snow; The Actor Onoe Baikō V as Iwakura no Sōgen" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Yoshitoshi, born in 1839 and deceased in 1892, is often celebrated as one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock printing and painting. His works are known for their dynamic composition, vivid use of color, and dramatic portrayal of subjects, often drawing from historical, mythological, and theatrical themes.
This particular print is part of Yoshitoshi's series titled "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" (Tsuki hyakushi), which was published between 1885 and 1892. The series consists of 100 woodblock prints, each depicting various scenes inspired by Japanese and Chinese legends, historical events, and classical literature, all unified by the common motif of the moon. "Snow; The Actor Onoe Baikō V as Iwakura no Sōgen" is one of these prints and showcases Yoshitoshi's skill in capturing the essence of kabuki theater, a classical Japanese dance-drama known for its stylized performances and elaborate costumes.
The print features the actor Onoe Baikō V, a prominent kabuki actor of the Meiji period, in the role of Iwakura no Sōgen. Onoe Baikō V, whose real name was Onoe Kikugorō V, was born in 1844 and passed away in 1903. He was a celebrated figure in the kabuki world, known for his versatility and ability to perform both male and female roles, a practice known as onnagata when referring to male actors playing female roles. His portrayal of Iwakura no Sōgen, a character from kabuki theater, is captured with dramatic intensity in Yoshitoshi's print.
In the artwork, Onoe Baikō V is depicted in a snowy landscape, which adds a serene yet poignant atmosphere to the scene. The actor is shown in a moment of contemplation or action, with the falling snow enhancing the visual impact and emotional depth of the print. The use of snow as a backdrop is a common motif in Japanese art, symbolizing purity, transience, and the beauty of nature.
Yoshitoshi's attention to detail is evident in the intricate patterns of the actor's costume and the delicate rendering of the snowflakes. The print exemplifies Yoshitoshi's ability to blend realism with stylization, creating a work that is both visually striking and rich in cultural significance. The moon, although not always prominently featured in each print of the series, serves as a unifying element that ties together the diverse themes and stories depicted in "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon."
"Snow; The Actor Onoe Baikō V as Iwakura no Sōgen" is a testament to Yoshitoshi's mastery of the woodblock printing technique and his deep appreciation for the theatrical arts. It remains a valuable piece of cultural heritage, reflecting the artistic and theatrical traditions of Japan during the late 19th century.
