The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei, likened to Lu Zhishen the Tattooed Priest (Kaoshō Rochishin ni hisu), from the “Pine” triptych of the series A Modern Water Margin (Tōsei suikoden) 1854

Editor: Here we have a vibrant woodblock print from 1854 by Utagawa Kunisada, titled "The Actor Nakamura Fukusuke I as Asahina Tōbei." The sheer scale and detailed tattoos covering the actor’s body are striking. What do you see in this piece, considering its historical context? Curator: What jumps out at me is the interesting interplay between theater, popular culture, and print media in mid-19th century Japan. This print is part of a series linking Japanese heroes to characters from the Chinese novel *Water Margin*, which had become immensely popular. Why do you think Kunisada might choose to associate a kabuki actor with such stories? Editor: Perhaps it was a way to elevate the status of actors, aligning them with legendary figures? Or to capitalize on the existing popularity of both kabuki and the *Water Margin*? Curator: Exactly! The print functions as a promotional piece for the actor and the play, but it also taps into a broader cultural phenomenon. Consider the audience: how would viewing this image in printed form differ from experiencing the live performance? And what implications might the act of mass production have on the prestige, or lack thereof, of ukiyo-e artwork? Editor: Interesting… viewing the print creates a more intimate encounter and accessible narrative versus watching a play, maybe. I had not considered the impact that the reproduction of art has. It can provide greater accessibility to audiences. Curator: And with greater accessibility, social perceptions start to shift as the artwork enters the lives of a more diverse populace. A fascinating point about cultural mediation. I learned that prints offer alternative spaces of encounters than museums, or temples, where this piece could also hang. Editor: Definitely something to keep in mind when thinking about the role of art in society. Thank you, I see art from a different point of view now.