The Actor Arashi Sangoro II as Asahina Saburo in the Play Iro Maki-e Soga no Sakazuki, Performed at the Morita Theater in the First Month, 1773

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively world of 18th Japanese kabuki theater through Katsukawa Shunsho'sThe Actor Arashi Sang II as Asahinauro in the Play I Maki-e Soga no Sakaz*, created around 1773. This color woodblock print, the narrow *hosoban* format (.5 × 13.8 cm), likely forms part of a multisheet composition, capturing the's dynamic pose and elaborate costume from a Morita Theater performance in the first month of the year. Shunsho, a master of *ukiyo-e*—the "pictures of the floating world" depicting theater, beauty, and urban life—excelled in *yakusha-e*, realistic portraits of kabuki stars. Printed from carved wooden blocks, the work showcases precise color layering and bold lines that convey the actor's intense expression and theatrical flair, making stars accessible to everyday fans. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this print highlights kabuki's cultural dominance in Edo-period Japan, blending artistry with popular entertainment to immortalize fleeting performances. A window into a passionate era!