The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Sakura-maru in the Play Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Seventh Month, 1776 c. 1776

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, created by Katsukawa Shunkō in c. 1776, depicts the renowned actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Sakura-maru in a performance of the play Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami. The print captures Yaozo II’s charismatic stage presence and his intricate costume, showcasing the beauty of Japanese theater. The detailed depiction of the actor’s expression and the elegant lines of his costume exemplify the artistry of ukiyo-e, capturing the essence of the Edo period’s popular culture. The print is now part of the esteemed collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.