The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Kumenosuke in the Play Keisei Natori Soga, Performed at the Kiri Theater in the Second Month, 1788 c. 1788

This ukiyo-e print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts the famous kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Kumenosuke in the play "Keisei Natori Soga." The print captures the actor in full costume and makeup, standing against a backdrop of a cherry blossom tree and a pond, suggesting the scene's setting in nature. Shunkō, a prominent artist of the Katsukawa school, was known for his dynamic portrayals of actors. This print showcases his skillful use of color and line to depict the character's elegant attire and expressive features, demonstrating his mastery of the genre. The print is a compelling example of ukiyo-e, an art form that flourished in Edo-period Japan and captured the vibrant culture of the time.