Sawamura Sōjūrō III as Yazama Jūtarō c. 1789

Curator: Here we have "Sawamura Sōjūrō III as Yazama Jūtarō," a woodblock print in ink from around 1789, created by Katsukawa Shunkō. Editor: There's a stillness, almost a hesitation, captured in this portrait. He looks caught between two worlds. Curator: Shunkō was known for his yakusha-e prints, portraits of Kabuki actors. Here, he depicts Sawamura Sōjūrō III in character, showcasing the actor’s role in a particular play. Note how the crest on the kimono identifies the actor's lineage. Editor: Ah, a visual signature. The two swords immediately point to a samurai connection, while those crimson trousers speak volumes. I see floral motifs contained within strict geometric grids… quite a contrast. A dance between chaos and control perhaps? Curator: Indeed! This tension speaks to the complex moral landscape of the Kabuki plays. The actor is both warrior and artist. The stance, the crossed arms, speak to a controlled power—reminiscent of traditional representations of guardian figures. Editor: The way he grounds himself barefoot suggests an earthiness too. Beyond the stage, perhaps even. What secrets lie within his gaze? I sense a vulnerability hiding just beneath the surface of that warrior facade. Curator: Ukiyo-e prints like this were incredibly popular, offering glimpses into the glamorous world of the Kabuki theatre to a wider audience. Think of them as the celebrity magazines of their day. They also immortalize the fleeting moments of performance, transforming an ephemeral art into something enduring. Editor: This single image feels like it encapsulates a story, inviting us to speculate. Is he a hero? A villain? Both, perhaps! We see his humanity so readily, beyond any conventional framing. Curator: Ultimately, it prompts questions. Do images like this shape or simply reflect our understanding of archetypes like warriors, heroes and villains? Perhaps a little of both. Editor: Definitely some of both, indeed, a worthy addition to this exploration!