The Actors Onoe Kikugoro I and Sanogawa Ichimatsu I dressed as mendicant monks (komuso) c. 1749

This woodblock print, created by Ishikawa Toyonobu in 1749, depicts the renowned Kabuki actors Onoe Kikugoro I and Sanogawa Ichimatsu I, dressed as mendicant monks (komuso). The actors, known for their elaborate costumes and theatrical performances, are captured in this ukiyo-e print with a detailed, almost photographic-like realism. Toyonobu masterfully portrays the intricate details of their robes and the expressions of the actors, revealing their playful personalities and embodying the spirit of the Edo Period. This print, with its bold lines and rich colours, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese theatre and the artistry of ukiyo-e.