Woodblock Print by Utagawa Yoshitora: Fish, Wave & Firefly, Framed

Waves crash across his robe, but his face stays perfectly calm.

Fish, Wave & Firefly is a framed woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshitora (active 1850-1880), from Japan, dated 1862. It is ink on paper. Kabuki actors were often shown in prints alongside seasonal pleasures such as firefly viewing, linking the stage to everyday summer life. Here a young man with a blue-shaved forehead turns his head to one side, holding an open orange fan patterned with a flower. His robe is a riot of curling blue and white waves. Behind him, fireflies flicker against a dark night sky among white blossoms. A red cartouche sits at left. It is 21 inches wide, 1.75 deep and 26 high.

Stormy clothes, serene expression, a very Edo combination.