Actors Nakamura Utaemon IV as the boatman Matsuemon (R) and Bandō Shuka I as his wife Oyoshi (L) c. 1849

This woodblock print, created by Utagawa Kunisada in 1849, features actors Nakamura Utaemon IV and Bandō Shuka I portraying the characters Matsuemon and Oyoshi. The scene is a dynamic portrayal of a kabuki play, with bold lines and vibrant colors. The actors are depicted with exaggerated gestures and expressions, reflecting the theatricality of kabuki performances. The use of ōban format, a standard size for woodblock prints of this time, ensures the intricate details of the actors' costumes and the turbulent seascape are captured with clarity. This print is a prime example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished in the Edo period and focused on everyday life and popular culture.