The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I Holding a Lantern c. 1749

This ukiyo-e print by Okumura Masanobu, created around 1749, features the actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I in an elegant pose, holding a lantern. The intricate details of his clothing, particularly the patterned kimono, showcase the artist's skill in capturing the beauty of Edo-period fashion. The delicate lines and subtle shading in the print create a sense of depth and realism, highlighting the actor's graceful presence. This work, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into the world of Japanese theater and the artistic flourishes of 18th-century woodblock printing.