The Actor Sawamura Tamagashira in an Unidentified Role c. 1790

Katsukawa Shun'ei's "The Actor Sawamura Tamagashira in an Unidentified Role" (c. 1790) depicts the famed kabuki actor Sawamura Tamagashira in an unknown role. The woodblock print showcases Shun'ei's signature style, with vibrant colors and detailed patterns on the actor's kimono. The background features a stylized tree and bamboo fence, framing the figure and creating a sense of depth. This ukiyo-e print, a popular genre in Edo-period Japan, captures the allure of the theater and the celebrity of its performers.