The Actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Ogata no Saburo Disguised as Matsuura Saemon in the Play Ichi no Tomi Tsuki no Kaomise, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1774

Art Historical Context

This striking color woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunshō captures the renowned kabuki actor Matsumoto Kōshirō IV in a dramatic role from the 1774 play *Ichi no Tomi Tsuki no Kaomise*, performed at Edo’s Morita Theater. Shunshō, leading figure in the ukiyo-e tradition, specialized in actor portraits (*yakusha-e*) that brought the excitement of the stage to a wider audience. His works helped popularize realistic depictions of performers, moving beyond stylized images to convey individual personalities and dynamic poses. Measuring just under 12 inches tall, the narrow *hosoban* format was ideal for single-figure compositions that could be collected or displayed in homes. As part of a possible multi-sheet series, this print likely formed one panel in a larger theatrical scene, reflecting the collaborative nature of both kabuki productions and printmaking workshops of the time. Shunshō’s attention to costume details and expressive gesture highlights the cultural importance of theater in 18th-century Japan, where actors were celebrated celebrities. Today, the print offers viewers a vivid window into Edo-period entertainment and the artistry of Japanese woodblock printing.