The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Nagasaki Kageyuzaemon Disguised as Gorohachi the Sake Seller, in the Play Hikitsurete Yagoe Taiheiki, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1776

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 18th-century kabuki theater with this striking color woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunsho, a leading master of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"). Titled *The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I Nagasaki Kageyuza Disguised as Gorohachi the Sake Seller in the Play Hikitste Yagoe Taiheiki*, it captures the star performer in a dramatic role from a 1776 production at Tokyo's Morita Theater. Nakamura Nakazo I, disguised as a humble sake seller, embodies the intrigue and disguise central to the play's historical drama, his expressive face and flowing robes frozen in a moment of theatrical intensity. Created around 1776 during Japan's Edo period, this hosoban-format print—narrow and vertical at 31.6 × 14.9 cm—was a popular, affordable format for yakusha-e, or actor portraits. Shunsho revolutionized the genre with his realistic depictions, emphasizing subtle facial nuances, dynamic poses, and rich colors achieved through precise woodblock carving and multiple ink passes. These prints not only advertised performances but also immortalized kabuki culture, blending artistry with celebrity fandom. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this work highlights Shunsho's influence on later ukiyo-e giants like Hokusai and Hiroshige, offering a window into the lively street life and dramatic arts that captivated Edo audiences.