Actor as evil imperial messenger, Kabuki actor Nakamura Sukegoro II in role of an evil messenger of the emperor. He is dressed in a ceremonial costume with long, floor-length pants and a distinctive court hat of black lacquer. On the wide upper part of his costume is his family crest; the Japanese sign 'mune' depicted large. The pattern of flowering thistles on the clothing, and the red schmaltz around the eyes, emphasize his malevolent nature. print maker: Katsukawa Shunsho, (mentioned on object), Japan, c. 1770 - c. 1780, paper, color woodcut, height 323 mm x width 149 mm.