Hayakawa Shinkatsu was a Kyoto-born onnagata (male actor specialising in female roles). In 1727, he was a rising star in Edo, known for his refined wakaonnagata (young woman) roles. This print captures him at the peak of his career when his rank in the hyōbanki (actor evaluation books) was Toshinobu was known for his delicate, slender figure drawing, which differed from the more robust, muscular lines of the Torii school. His work often features the Hosoban format (a narrow, vertical composition), which forced a graceful, elongated posture for the subject. Courtesan Kojima (Keisei Kojima) was a recurring character type in kaomise (season-opening) dramas, often representing a high-ranking beauty caught in complex political or romantic subplots.

Studio Gallery Frame in 'black'; acrylic safety fronts; ready-to-hang options.

Gift-ready, arriving hand-wrapped in acid-free tissue paper. Plastic-free packaging.

Image source: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Full Title: The Actors Ogino Isaburô and Hayakawa Shinkatsu by Torii Kiyomasu II, 1727