The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX as a Monkey in the Play Mitsu Ningyo Yayoi no Hinagata, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Second Month, 1785 c. 1785

"The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX as a Monkey" is a woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō that depicts the famous Kabuki actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX dressed as a monkey in the play "Mitsu Ningyo Yayoi no Hinagata." The print, created around 1785, captures Uzaemon in a playful pose, holding a walking stick and wearing a distinctive hat, showcasing Shunkō's ability to portray the vibrancy of Kabuki theater. This ukiyo-e print, part of the "yakusha-e" (actor prints) genre, is a testament to Shunkō's skill in capturing the personality and charisma of famous actors, highlighting the cultural significance of Kabuki theater in 18th-century Japan.