The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I as Kumenosuke in the play "Na no Hana Akebono Soga," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the second month, 1741 1741

This ukiyo-e print, created by Torii Kiyomasu II in 1741, depicts the renowned actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I as Kumenosuke in the play "Na no Hana Akebono Soga," performed at the Nakamura Theater. The print showcases the actor in a dynamic pose, playing a flute while mounted on a fantastical ox, with the background suggesting a theatrical setting. Torii Kiyomasu II, a prominent artist of the Edo period, is known for his vibrant and detailed depictions of Kabuki actors, capturing the essence of their performances. This print, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of 18th-century Japanese theater.