Nakamura Shikan II als Matsuomaru 1825 - 1830

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print titled "Nakamura Shikan II as Matsuomaru," which you can see here at the Rijksmuseum. The piece is dominated by a figure wielding a sword, set against a backdrop that seems both abstract and symbolic. Notice how the artist uses bold lines and flat planes of color to define forms. The actor's robe, patterned with stripes and geometric shapes, flattens the figure. This challenges the viewer's perception and pushes against traditional representation. The figure's poised stance and focused gaze invite speculation about narrative or historical context, yet the formal elements take precedence. Kunisada engages with ideas of identity and performance. The print presents a stylized version of reality. The bold, graphic quality of the woodblock technique emphasizes the artificiality of the representation. The artist prompts us to consider the construction of meaning through visual signs. This piece functions as a cultural artifact and a testament to the power of form in shaping our understanding.