The Second Ichikawa Komazo as a Boatman Standing on the Deck of a Barge 1783 - 1803

This woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei, created between 1783 and 1803, depicts the renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Komazo II as a boatman. The actor is depicted standing on the deck of a barge, holding a long pole. The print is a prime example of *ukiyo-e*, a genre of Japanese art that flourished in the Edo period and often depicted scenes from everyday life, popular entertainment, and the natural world. The intricate details of the actor's clothing and the stylized depiction of the barge and water create a vivid and dynamic image. The *ukiyo-e* print is a powerful testament to the popularity of kabuki theater in Edo-period Japan.