Actor Nakamura Tomijūrō I in the Lion Dance (Shakkyō) Possibly 1778 - 1779

This print of Actor Nakamura Tomijūrō I performing the Lion Dance, was made by Katsukawa Shunkō using woodblock printing, a technique known as *ukiyo-e*. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred onto a wooden block, usually cherry. A carver uses specialized tools to cut away the wood around the lines of the image, leaving a raised surface to be inked. Ink is applied to the block, and then paper is laid on top and rubbed to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precise alignment. The resulting print possesses a unique character. The texture of the wood grain, the subtle variations in ink density, and the crispness of the lines all contribute to its aesthetic. *Ukiyo-e* prints were produced for a mass market, making art accessible to a broad audience. This print gives us a glimpse into the vibrant world of Japanese theater and its intersection with popular culture, reflecting the labor involved in both its creation and the performance it depicts.