Kuniyoshi Actor Print and Fuji #ukiyoe #japaneseart #woodblockprints #kuniyoshi #fuji

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]This bold and visually striking print is by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from his 1852 series Views of Fuji from Edo in Iroha order.

[00:00:12]Here we see the Kabuki actor Nakamura [music] Utaemon the fourth in the role of Gotobei from a Kabuki play.

[00:00:19]In the story, [music] his character is tricked into becoming drunk just before an important meeting with a samurai commander.

[00:00:28]And that probably explains his intense expression.

[00:00:32]What makes this series especially interesting is [music] the combination of subjects.

[00:00:37]In the main image, we have a powerful portrait of the actor in character.

[00:00:41]While above in this inset box, we see a view of Mount Fuji from within Edo.

[00:00:48]In this case, we see the top of a lively street scene with a festival procession taking place.

[00:00:56]Each print in the series pairs [music] an actor portrait with a specific view of Fuji as seen from different locations around the city.

[00:01:05]The title cartouche in the upper right is bordered with objects related [music] to the play, adding another layer of storytelling.

[00:01:13]This print is in great condition for being 170 years old. The impression is good and the colors are bright and vibrant.