The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III in an Unidentified Role c. 1779

Katsukawa Shunko's woodblock print captures actor Segawa Kikunojo III in a moment of reflection, immortalized in ink and color. The most striking symbols are those adorning the actor's kimono. Notice the circular wheel design, reminiscent of Buddhist Dharma wheels, symbols of law and cosmic order. These motifs, however, are juxtaposed with the more earthly presence of stylized gourd leaves. The gourd, a symbol of fertility and abundance, often appears in East Asian art. One can trace similar symbolic pairings across cultures; consider the juxtaposition of sacred geometry with naturalistic elements in Renaissance paintings. It speaks to an essential human impulse: to reconcile the divine with the earthly. The placement of the actor's hand to their mouth carries similar weight, like a classical Venus Pudica, a gesture of modesty. Thus, Kikunojo III’s pose invites us to ponder the interplay between public persona and private contemplation. These symbols resonate, their meanings layered through time, echoing in our collective memory.