The Hero's Face: Decoding the Secrets of Kabuki Makeup

Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

This is a dynamic and colorful yakusha-e (kabuki actor print) by Toyohara Kunichika, one of the last great masters of the Ukiyo-e woodblock print from Japan's Meiji period. The artwork is a powerful close-up portrait of a kabuki actor in a dramatic role, captured in a moment of intense emotion. He is depicted in a lavishly patterned costume and wears the bold, expressive kumadori makeup, a hallmark of the kabuki theater. Kunichika was a passionate fan of kabuki, and his prints are celebrated for conveying the high drama and psychological depth of the performances.

Historical Tidbit

The most striking feature of this print is the actor's makeup, known as kumadori. This is not simply decoration; it is a sophisticated visual code that instantly reveals the nature of the character to the audience. The bold red lines seen here immediately identify the character as a powerful hero, symbolizing strength, passion, and righteousness. In contrast, a villain would be denoted by blue lines, and a supernatural demon by brown. Each pattern is specific to a certain character or role, making the actor's face a living billboard of their identity.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time: