The Actor Yamashita Kinsaku II in an Unidentified Role c. 1776

Curator: Let’s take a look at this print now: "The Actor Yamashita Kinsaku II in an Unidentified Role," crafted around 1776 by Katsukawa Shunko. It resides here at the Art Institute of Chicago and gives us a remarkable insight into the world of Kabuki theatre. Editor: My initial reaction is captivated, yet perplexed by the presence of the demon mask held by the figure. The juxtaposition certainly intrigues. Curator: Shunko's work gives insight into the star system that dominated popular culture in 18th-century Edo. Figures like Yamashita Kinsaku II were idolized and immortalized through Ukiyo-e prints such as this one. Shunko captured his likeness at a key moment for public consumption. Editor: That's so interesting! And, you know, thinking of this “star system” that the artwork circulated within gives some nuance to the actor holding that terrifying demon mask. It certainly reads as an emblem, rather than simply a costume piece. I find the mask somewhat humorous though–are there connotations to be derived from it that would’ve been read differently in that moment, maybe something even darker? Curator: This might give us some hints about the role the actor was portraying at that moment; Katsukawa was extremely concerned with portraying likeness. He, alongside others like Katsukawa Shunsho were reacting against the generalized faces in actor prints, and made it a mission to portray true resemblances and even the characters. Editor: Katsukawa really achieves it too. Considering his detailed realism when capturing likeness in the actor, and contrasting it against the demonic emblem of the mask really underscores, and in a lot of ways empowers this specific piece. To me, there's so much symbolic depth between just these two elements alone. What are the key takeaways for you? Curator: I am taken by how Ukiyo-e prints show how ephemeral forms of entertainment gain permanence through imagery. This actor would have lived and died, but the art made in conjunction of his celebrity gives access into 18th-century society today. Editor: The piece presents a moment of shifting identity that transcends beyond its literal and temporal place in 18th century Edo to resonate into a dialogue on individual and collective self-fashioning still very present in society today. Thanks for pointing it out.