The Actor Ichikawa Komazo II as Soga no Dozaburo Disguised as the Ruffian Tobei (?) in the Play Haru no Nishi Date-zome Soga (?), Performed at the Nakamura Theater (?) in the First Month, 1790 (?) c. 1790

This ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei, titled *The Actor Ichikawa Komazo II as Soga no Dozaburo Disguised as the Ruffian Tobei*, depicts the renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Komazo II portraying a character from the play *Haru no Nishi Date-zome Soga*. The print showcases Shun'ei's mastery of depicting a dramatic moment, with Komazo II standing in a pose of contemplation, clad in an elaborate costume, highlighting the intricate details of Japanese clothing and the expressive nature of kabuki theater. This work, from around 1790, exemplifies the beauty and captivating storytelling of Japanese art, and is a fine example of the *yakusha-e* genre, which depicts actors in character.