Two Actors; a Scene from the Soga Play 19th century

"Two Actors; a Scene from the Soga Play" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Kubo Shunman (1757-1820). The print depicts two actors performing a scene from the popular Soga play, a genre of Japanese theater known for its dramatic storylines and action-packed scenes. The actors are dressed in elaborate costumes and are frozen in mid-action, creating a sense of dynamism and energy. The print is characteristic of Shunman’s later style, which used bold lines and strong colors. This work, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is an excellent example of the vitality of Japanese woodblock prints from the 19th century.