The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Daidoji Tabatanosuke in the Play Mukashi Mukashi Tejiro no Saru, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eighth Month, 1792 c. 1792

This ukiyo-e print, created by Katsukawa Shun'ei in 1792, depicts the renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Daidoji Tabatanosuke in the play Mukashi Mukashi Tejiro no Saru. The actor is shown in a seated pose, with his long, flowing robes, highlighting the elegance and refined manner of kabuki performance. The print, a testament to the popularity of kabuki theater in 18th-century Japan, showcases Shun'ei's mastery of portraying the dynamic world of kabuki actors, using intricate details and vibrant colors. This print is a valuable document for understanding the visual culture of Edo-period Japan, offering a glimpse into the world of theater and its connection to popular art.