The Actor Yamashita Kinsaku II in an Unidentified Role c. 1776

This ukiyo-e print, "The Actor Yamashita Kinsaku II in an Unidentified Role", was created by Katsukawa Shunkō in 1776. The print depicts the kabuki actor Yamashita Kinsaku II, known for his roles as female characters, holding a demon mask. The detailed depiction of his elaborate costume and the theatrical pose capture the essence of kabuki performance. Shunkō's use of vibrant colors and intricate lines in the woodcut style is characteristic of the ukiyo-e genre, which flourished during the Edo period in Japan. This print, now held at the Art Institute of Chicago, serves as a fascinating window into the world of Japanese theater and art.