The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as a Boy Blowing on His Hands beside a Large Snowball, in the Play Nigiwai Genji Hana Saku Kado, Performed at the Kawarazaki Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1793 c. 1793

Katsukawa Shun'ei created this woodblock print in 1793. The print's visual impact hinges on the relationship between the flat planes of color and the linear elements defining form. The production of this work was a complex process of carving a separate block for each color, inking and then carefully aligning them to create the final image. The materiality of the wood is subtly present in the grain and texture, a reminder of the labor-intensive process required. The subject matter, a Kabuki actor in costume, speaks to a vibrant urban culture and the commodification of theatrical performance. The actor, Iwai Hanshiro IV, is depicted in a moment of vulnerability, blowing on his hands to ward off the cold, which humanizes the performer. The print itself was made for circulation and consumption, reflecting broader economic systems. By considering the materials, making, and context, we can gain a richer understanding of this artwork beyond its aesthetic qualities.