The Actor Nakamura Sukegoro II in an Unidentified Role c. 1779

This woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, titled "The Actor Nakamura Sukegoro II in an Unidentified Role," depicts the famous kabuki actor Nakamura Sukegoro II in a dramatic pose. The actor, clad in elaborate traditional garments, stands against a backdrop of stylized bamboo stalks. The bold lines and vibrant colors of the print are characteristic of the ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") style, which flourished in Japan from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This print showcases Shunkō's skill in capturing the dynamism and theatricality of kabuki performance, a popular form of Japanese theater that continues to captivate audiences today.