An Actor of the Bando Line as an Outlaw Brought to Bay on the Bank of a River 1770 - 1790

This ukiyo-e print by Katsukawa Shunjō, an important artist of the Edo period, depicts an actor of the Bando line as an outlaw. The scene, likely from a popular kabuki play, shows the outlaw in a dramatic pose, with his face contorted in anger, clutching a letter in his hands and looking out towards the viewer. The use of bold lines and vibrant colors in the print creates a sense of dynamism and excitement, showcasing Shunjō's distinctive style and masterful use of woodblock printing. The print exemplifies the artist's talent in capturing the emotional intensity and dramatic flair of kabuki theater, making it a valuable work for studying both ukiyo-e and kabuki performance.