The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I as Soga no Goro in the play "Monzukushi Nagoya Soga," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month, 1748 1748

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, created by Torii Kiyonobu II in 1748, depicts the renowned kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I as the character Soga no Goro from the play "Monzukushi Nagoya Soga." The print, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the vibrant and stylized aesthetic of the Edo period. The intricate details of the actor's costume, the blossoming cherry tree branch, and the dynamic pose contribute to the print's captivating composition. The image offers a glimpse into the world of Japanese theater and the enduring influence of kabuki on Japanese art.