An Actor in a Female Role c. 1760s - 1770s

This woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunko depicts an actor in a female role and was made in Japan in the late 18th century. The prevalence of such images in this period can tell us a great deal about Japanese society. Kabuki theatre was one of the main forms of entertainment and a significant aspect of the culture, especially within the urban centers. Because women were banned from performing, male actors, known as "onnagata," specialized in portraying female roles. Shunko, as a member of the Katsukawa school, dedicated himself to portraits of actors, tapping into the popularity of the Kabuki theatre and Ukiyo-e prints, which together shaped a star system of performers, similar to that of Hollywood. The actor is depicted in full costume, with an elaborate wig and makeup and, through attention to these visual codes, these prints provided a vital link between the stage and a broader public. By consulting playbills, diaries, and other prints from the era, we can get a better sense of the social function of these artworks.