The Actors Arashi Ryuzo II and Ichikawa Komazo III, from a pentaptych of eleven actors celebrating the festival of the shrine of the Soga brothers 1788

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, created by renowned Japanese artist Torii Kiyonaga in 1788, depicts two prominent Kabuki actors, Arashi Ryuzo II and Ichikawa Komazo III. The actors are shown in elaborate costumes, their expressions conveying a sense of dramatic tension and the energy of a theatrical performance. The print, part of a larger series celebrating the Soga brothers shrine festival, captures the vibrancy of Edo period Japanese culture and provides a glimpse into the world of Kabuki theatre. The use of bold colors and detailed brushstrokes underscores the dynamic nature of the scene.