The actor Segawa Tomisaburo II as Yadorigi, wife of Ogishi Kurando 1794

Tōshūsai Sharaku created this woodblock print of the actor Segawa Tomisaburo II as Yadorigi in Japan during the Edo period. It’s a fascinating example of the art form known as Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world.” The floating world was the urban lifestyle, especially the pleasure-seeking aspects of the Edo period. During a time when strict social hierarchies were imposed by the shogunate, Ukiyo-e prints offered a form of cultural expression. The print depicts Segawa Tomisaburo II, a popular Kabuki actor who specialized in female roles. Kabuki itself was a relatively new, and often transgressive, form of theater that gained popularity amongst the merchant classes. Sharaku’s portraits were known for their unflinching realism, capturing not just the likeness of the actor but also something of their character and the social milieu in which they operated. Historians consult playbills, diaries, and other period documents to better understand the subjects, social setting, and cultural values reflected in Ukiyo-e prints like this one. The art offers insight into a vibrant, dynamic, and ever-changing society.