Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu II as Chūjō

Ippitsusai Bunchō · 1769

Colour woodblock print of actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu II as Chujo by Ippitsusai Bunchō, printed in Japan in 1769. Left sheet from a triptych, hosoban format, nishiki-e print. The triptych from which this print is taken shows actors performing in the play 'Edo no Hana Wakayagi Soga', performed at the Ichimura Theater in 1769. The play was written by Sakurada (1734-1806) and secured his reputation, establishing him as one of Edo's leading playwrights.