The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as a Kyokaku 1767 - 1787

"The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as a Kyokaku" is a woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicting the celebrated kabuki actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II in a role as a Kyokaku (a stylish, often dissolute young man). The print showcases Shunkō's masterful use of color and line, with delicate details in the actor's costume and the background, making it a prime example of ukiyo-e, the genre of Japanese woodblock printing that captured the everyday life and popular culture of the Edo period. The print is a testament to the enduring legacy of kabuki theatre and its captivating personalities, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of Edo-era Japan.