Actor Ichimura Takenojō IV as the page Kichisaburō Possibly 1718

This print, portraying actor Ichimura Takenojō IV, was made by Torii Kiyotada in the mid-18th century using woodblock printing, a technique known as *ukiyo-e*. The process begins with a drawing, which is then meticulously transferred onto a woodblock, usually cherry. Skilled artisans carve away the wood around the lines, leaving a raised design. Ink is then applied to the block, and paper is carefully pressed onto it to create the print. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision and planning. The flat, graphic quality of the print, combined with the expressive lines and bold colors, gives the image its distinctive character. This was a commercial art, intimately connected to the urban culture of Edo-period Japan, particularly the Kabuki theatre. The print functioned as a kind of advertisement, connecting celebrity to consumerism. Appreciating *ukiyo-e* means recognizing not only the artist's skill, but also the labor and materials involved in its production, and the vibrant social context it reflects.