The Actor Ichikawa Ebizō (Danjūrō V) as the Elderly Samurai Sasaki Ganryū (?) 1792

This hosoban print by Katsukawa Shun'ei depicts Ichikawa Ebizō (Danjūrō V), a renowned Kabuki actor, portraying the elderly samurai Sasaki Ganryū. Created in 1792, this vertical woodblock print exemplifies the ukiyo-e genre, showcasing the vibrancy and theatricality of Japanese popular culture. The detailed portrayal of the actor's costume, with intricate patterns and bold colors, reflects the artist's mastery of woodblock printing techniques. This print would have been widely circulated among Edo-era audiences, showcasing the popularity of Kabuki and its stars.