The Actors Fujikawa Heikuro as Masamune and Matsushima Kichisaburo as Rai Kunitsugu in the play "Shin Usuyuki Monogatari," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the sixth month, 1746 1746

This 1746 woodblock print by Torii Kiyonobu II depicts the actors Fujikawa Heikuro and Matsushima Kichisaburo in a scene from the kabuki play "Shin Usuyuki Monogatari," performed at the Nakamura Theater in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The print, a vibrant example of *ukiyo-e*, captures the energy and spectacle of kabuki theater, showcasing the actors' elaborate costumes and dynamic poses. *Ukiyo-e* prints, known for their depiction of everyday life, were popular forms of art in Edo-period Japan, and this print provides a glimpse into the world of kabuki theater and the actors who brought these stories to life. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this visually captivating artwork.