Ichikawa Kuzō II Dancing the Character of Imayōshi Benisuke under an Old White Prunus Tree

Shosagoto, dance-dramas in the kabuki repertoire, are considered the greatest test of an actor’s skill. They were therefore only assigned to the greatest of actors. Imayōshi was a form of popular song and Benisuke or Kōsuke (in a variant reading) probably danced to such music. In this print, the principal motif is the white prunus tree in the background with the inscription tōjiume (the prunus blossoming in winter). (See Helena Honcoopová, Kunisada, Praha 2005, p. 136)