The Actor Ichikawa Komazo I in the Role of Satsuma Kushi no Gengobyoye 1753 - 1775

"The Actor Ichikawa Komazo I in the Role of Satsuma Kushi no Gengobyoye" is a woodblock print by Torii Kiyonaga, a celebrated artist of the late Edo period (1603-1868). The print depicts Ichikawa Komazo I, a famous kabuki actor, in a dramatic pose, showcasing his elaborate costume and signature facial expression. This print, dated between 1753 and 1775, exemplifies the "yakusha-e" (actor prints) genre, a popular art form in Edo-era Japan that celebrated the actors and plays of the kabuki theater. The print’s composition, with its strong lines and vibrant colors, captures the dynamism and theatricality of kabuki performances. It is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.