Katsukawa Shunei

Katsukawa Shunei was an artist documented as active between 1786 and 1795. Their brief documented period establishes them as a dedicated specialist in theatrical prints, focusing specifically on actor portraiture related to the contemporary Kabuki stage.

The artist’s known output is represented by seven prints held in museum collections. These works capture dramatic and ceremonial poses of famous actors of the period. Notable examples include Onoe Matsusuke I as a Samurai Standing Beneath a Cherry Tree, Iwai Hanshiro IV in a Dance of Seven Changes, and the thematic piece, Dancer as Kuzunoha, Fox Spirit Disguised as a Woman. Shunei’s focus on individual actor roles is further demonstrated by two portraits of the same figure, Ichikawa Monnosuke II as a Lord Holding a Banner and Ichikawa Monnosuke II as a Samurai.

The integrity of the artist’s work is established by the preservation of these prints in major international institutions, including the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because these historical Katsukawa Shunei prints are often sourced from the public domain, they are frequently available to researchers as high-quality prints or downloadable artwork. The collection of seven works provides a concise overview of the artist’s technique and focus on dramatic portraiture during the late 18th century.