Actors Ichikawa Danjūrō IV as Kagekiyo and Nakamura Utaemon I as Seigen Possibly 1769

This *hosoban* print by Katsukawa Shunsho, created sometime around 1769, depicts a scene from a kabuki play. The actors Ichikawa Danjūrō IV and Nakamura Utaemon I are pictured as the characters Kagekiyo and Seigen. The scene shows a dramatic moment of tension, as Kagekiyo (Danjūrō) holds a sword and stares intensely at Seigen (Utaemon). Shunsho's dramatic use of line and color creates a sense of movement and emotion, characteristic of his *ukiyo-e* style. This print, likely a popular souvenir for fans of kabuki theatre, offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Japanese entertainment during the Edo period.