Imaginary portrait, Shuihuzhuan of Stage: Tōryūdai (Mitate Suikoden Tōrōdai) - Actor Onoe Kikugorō plays as Kumon no Ryūkichi 1875

Toyohara Kunichika’s woodblock print depicts the actor Onoe Kikugorō in the role of Kumon no Ryūkichi, a character from the popular Chinese novel, "Shuihuzhuan," also known as "The Water Margin". Made in Japan, this print reflects the Edo period's fascination with kabuki theatre, where actors often played multiple roles, crossing gender and social boundaries. The "Shuihuzhuan" stories, which emphasize loyalty and rebellion against corruption, resonated deeply with the social and political climate of the time. The actor's elaborate costume, complete with dragon tattoos, visualizes the character's complex identity. The dragon, an emblem of power and chaos, signifies his ambiguous moral standing. Art historians rely on theatre programs, costume books, and social commentaries to fully grasp the print's layered meanings. This artwork reminds us that visual culture is always embedded in social practices and institutional structures.