The Actors Ichikawa Danjuro VII and Segawa Kikunjo V at Leisure

This deluxe surimono woodblock print represents the smaller kakuban (“square block”) format that first became popular in Edo (now Tokyo) during the first half of the 19th century. It was designed by the famous Edo artist Utagawa Toyokuni in the outlined and detailed woodblock print style called ukiyo-e (“floating world pictures”).

Three poems by prominent literary figures fill the upper left half of the print. The rest of the surimono features imagery relating to the theater world of Kabuki. Reclining at leisure in front of a screen are two stars of the Edo stage: Ichikawa Danjuro VII (1791–1859)—immensely popular performer and well-known for his luxurious social life of parties and good food and drink—and Segawa Kikunojo V (1802–1832)—celebrated for his enactment of onnagata or female roles.

Toyokuni is known especially for such depictions of Kabuki theater actors. His surimono were either commissioned by poetry club members who were also theater devotees or by actors, who distributed the prints to their patrons and fans.