The Actor Ichikawa Danzo IV as Shutokuin in the Play Tokimekuya O-Edo no Hatsuyuki, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1780 c. 1780

This "ukiyo-e" print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicts the Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danzo IV as Shutokuin, a character from the play Tokimekuya O-Edo no Hatsuyuki. Shunkō was a renowned artist known for his dynamic portraits of Kabuki actors, often capturing them in performance. The print portrays the actor in a striking pose, holding a drum, his long hair flowing behind him, and his expression conveying both power and drama, which are characteristic of Kabuki theatre. This print, created in 1780, is a testament to the popularity of Kabuki theatre during the Edo period and provides a glimpse into the world of Japanese performing arts.