pic06947 Toshihide

The artwork presents a close-up portrait of a male figure, likely a performer given the elaborate costume and intense expression. He is positioned centrally against a plain background, which directs full attention toward his face and upper torso. The composition adheres to a vertical format characteristic of woodblock prints.
Here we see a man in the midst of an emotional display. His mouth is slightly open, revealing teeth, and his eyes are narrowed with what appears to be anger or intense concentration. The brow is furrowed, contributing to the overall sense of dramatic tension. This exaggerated expression suggests a theatrical performance, possibly depicting a moment of high drama within a narrative.
The costume contributes significantly to the visual impact. It consists of layered fabrics in a vibrant palette of red, orange, green, and black, patterned with checkerboard designs and stylized floral motifs. The details of the garment suggest a character of some status or importance. A dark band encircles his head, holding back hair styled into a topknot.
The artist employed a limited range of colors – primarily reds, greens, blacks, and creams – to create contrast and visual interest. Lines are crisp and defined, typical of woodblock printing techniques. The use of flat planes of color rather than subtle gradations contributes to the stylized aesthetic.
Inscribed vertically along the left side is text in a calligraphic script, likely providing context or identifying the performer and/or role. A small red seal appears near the lower right corner, possibly indicating the artist’s signature or mark. The presence of this inscription and seal reinforces the artworks connection to traditional Japanese artistic practices.
Subtly, the image conveys a sense of controlled power and emotional restraint despite the outward display of intensity. It is not merely an expression of raw emotion but rather a carefully constructed performance intended for an audience.