The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as a Kyokaku 1767 - 1787

This woodblock print depicts the actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II as a Kyokaku, a chivalrous commoner, and was created by Katsukawa Shunko in Japan. The image speaks to the vibrant theatrical culture of the Edo period, when Kabuki theatre became a major form of entertainment for all social classes. The actor is shown in costume, with a stern expression that is intended to convey a sense of strength and resolve. The setting appears to be a Kabuki set, suggesting a stage. Kyokaku were celebrated as Robin Hood-like figures, who challenged authority. This print engages with the social dynamics of the period, when tensions between merchants and samurai classes were playing out in popular culture. Kabuki actors became celebrities, mediating social tensions through their performances. To truly understand this work, we can consult playbills, theatre histories, and social commentaries from the Edo period. Understanding art requires us to examine the complex interplay of society, culture, and institutions.