The Actor Segawa Kichiji as a Daimyo's Young Son, and Sanogawa Ichimatsu as a Samurai Attendant 1740 - 1760

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, created by the renowned artist Ishikawa Toyonobu between 1740 and 1760, depicts the actors Segawa Kichiji and Sanogawa Ichimatsu in character. Kichiji, dressed as a daimyo's son, sits with a dignified air, while Ichimatsu, as a samurai attendant, kneels with a sword by his side. The intricate details of their costumes, including the checkerboard patterns and floral designs, are characteristic of Toyonobu's style. The print reflects the popularity of kabuki theater in Edo-period Japan, where actors were celebrated figures. This artwork, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the world of Japanese theater and the artistry of ukiyo-e prints.