The Second Ichikawa Monnosuke as a Samurai Standing by a Wooden Bench 1784 - 1804

Katsukawa Shun'ei created this woodblock print, depicting the actor Ichikawa Monnosuke, in Japan in the late 18th or early 19th century. It captures not just an individual, but also a moment in the cultural landscape of the Edo period. Consider the role of actors like Monnosuke in shaping social and political commentary. Kabuki theater, while seemingly entertainment, served as a crucial platform for critiquing the ruling elite. The samurai garb worn by Monnosuke is significant; stage representations allowed a space for the negotiation of social identities. Note also the stylized makeup, another layer through which actors conveyed character and emotion. The artist, Shun'ei, was part of a lineage of artists focused on portraying actors, indicating the cultural significance of these figures. This print offers a glimpse into a world where art, performance, and social critique were deeply intertwined. It embodies the emotional and intellectual investments of its time.