Act Two from the series Treasury of Loyal Retainers (Chūshingura: Ni danme): Kosan Making Love to Rikiya - Katsukawa Shun'ei

A classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei depicting a scene from the Chūshingura, featuring expressive figures and traditional Edo period attire.

This woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei depicts a scene from the second act of the Chūshingura, the famous tale of the forty-seven rōnin. The composition focuses on the interaction between the characters Kosan and Rikiya, set within the domestic architecture of the Edo period. Shun'ei, a student of Katsukawa Shunshō, was known for his contributions to the yakusha-e genre, which focused on kabuki actors and their performances.

The print displays the characteristic flat perspective and bold line work associated with the Katsukawa school. The figures are arranged with a sense of theatrical staging, reflecting the influence of the kabuki stage on ukiyo-e artists of the late eighteenth century. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted greens, soft reds, and earthy tones to define the garments and the interior space. The sliding doors, or shoji, provide a geometric backdrop that balances the organic curves of the figures.

Shun'ei captures a moment of quiet tension between the two figures. The kneeling posture of the woman and the standing position of the man create a vertical dynamic that guides the viewer through the narrative space. The attention to textile patterns on the kimonos demonstrates the technical precision required in the woodblock printing process, where each colour required a separate carved block. This work offers a glimpse into the popular culture of the Edo period, where historical dramas were reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary fashion and performance. The print remains a representative example of the Katsukawa style, which prioritised clear characterisation and expressive posture over excessive ornamentation.