The Samurai's Crest: Decoding the Symbols of Kabuki Theater

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 powerful yakusha-e (kabuki actor print) by the Meiji-era master, Toyohara Kunichika. The artwork features a dramatic close-up of an actor in the role of a samurai or warrior, his face set in a look of stern determination. A key feature is the striking compositional contrast: the brightly lit, detailed figure in the foreground is set against a dark, silhouetted background depicting a chaotic night battle. This theatrical technique creates a powerful sense of narrative, focusing our attention on the character's internal state amidst the turmoil behind him.

Historical Tidbit

The prominent circular symbol on the actor's chest is a mon, a Japanese family crest. These elegant emblems, similar to European coats of arms, were crucial in the world of kabuki. A mon could represent the character's fictional clan, but very often, it was the actual, real-life crest of the famous actor portraying the role. Great acting dynasties had their own mon that were instantly recognizable to the audience. For the passionate fans of the era, seeing their favorite star's personal crest on a costume was part of the excitement—it was a celebrity logo that merged the actor's identity with the character they played.

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: