Segawa Senjo in the role of nurse Masaoka c. 1810s

Utagawa Toyokuni I made this woodblock print of Segawa Senjo in the role of nurse Masaoka in Japan. Prints like this served as publicity for Kabuki theatre in the Edo period. Here, a leading actor is depicted in costume. This print offered an opportunity for fans to admire the actor's likeness. The role being played is important, too: the image creates meaning through visual codes. For example, what does Masaoka’s placement of the candle mean? Why is she looking down at the mouse? These details create a narrative that has a specific historical association, referencing a famous Kabuki play. Cultural and institutional histories are critical to understanding Utagawa's work. The Edo period saw a growth in urban culture, where the Kabuki theatre was a major force. Woodblock prints were a vital part of this cultural landscape. Historians consult theatrical records, biographies and more when considering the context of these works, researching archives to better understand the relationship between art, commerce, and entertainment.