The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Soga no Dozaburo (?) in the Play Kamuri Kotoba Soga no Yukari (?), Performed at the Ichimura Theater (?) in the First Month, 1776 (?) c. 1776

This woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, created circa 1776, depicts the celebrated actor Ichikawa Yaozo II in a dramatic pose as Soga no Dozaburo from the play *Kamuri Kotoba Soga no Yukari*. The actor is shown clutching a sword, a gesture that conveys the intensity and emotion of the character. The print is a captivating example of *ukiyo-e*, the Japanese art of woodblock printing, which often depicted scenes from kabuki theater, a popular form of Japanese musical drama. The vibrant colors and expressive details of Shunkō’s work bring the world of kabuki to life, capturing the essence of the actor's performance and the excitement of the theatrical event. This print, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, provides insight into the artistry and cultural significance of Japanese theater in the Edo period.