Actors Matsumoto Kōshirō 4th as Ninokuchi-mura Magoemon and Nakayama Tomisaburō as Umegawa from the play "Shinrei Yaguchi no Watashi - Yomo no Nishiki Kokyo no Tabiji" (Kiri-za) Possibly 1794 - 1798

Editor: Here we have Tōshūsai Sharaku's woodblock print, "Actors Matsumoto Kōshirō 4th as Ninokuchi-mura Magoemon and Nakayama Tomisaburō as Umegawa," from a play. I’m intrigued by the textures and patterns of their costumes. What do you make of it? Curator: Notice the attention to the actors' garments - the patterned robes, the checkered trousers. Sharaku highlights not just the character, but the *things* of the stage, hinting at the textile production that supported Kabuki theater. Editor: So, the artistry extends beyond just the actors' performances? Curator: Precisely! It speaks to the broader socio-economic context: the labor, the materials, the consumption that went into creating this illusion. Consider the paper itself - its production and distribution. Editor: I hadn't considered the materiality of the print itself! This gives me a whole new perspective. Curator: By focusing on the materials and production, we can see how art is embedded in everyday life. Editor: I’ll definitely look at art with a new eye from now on.