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 woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei, made around 1790, captures Ichikawa Komazo II in a Kabuki role. Here, the actor embodies Soga no Dozaburo, disguised as the ruffian Tobei. Note the plum blossoms on the screen—symbols of resilience and renewal—an elegant contrast to the rough persona of Tobei. The actor’s poised stance and the carefully draped garment speak volumes. The garment conceals and reveals, suggesting the underlying identity of a noble warrior cloaked in disguise. The motif of disguise transcends cultures; we see it in the masked figures of Greek tragedy. Here it touches on the subconscious anxieties and societal expectations linked to identity and performance. The composition is a potent mix of symbolism and psychological depth, drawing the viewer into the complex layers of character and cultural narrative. Such a powerful convergence of visual and emotional cues is what ensures its timeless appeal.