Actor Onoe Kikugorō V as Nozarashi Gosuke Possibly 1874 - 1877

Curator: The intensity in his eyes is captivating. He seems to hold a secret, or perhaps a burning anger. Editor: Indeed. Let’s explore this compelling image further. This is a vertical oban print by Toyohara Kunichika, a 19th-century Japanese artist. It depicts the actor Onoe Kikugoro V as Nozarashi Gosuke. Curator: The floral patterns on his robe juxtapose with the rigid bars in the background, creating a tension, a sense of confinement perhaps, which accentuates the actor’s intense gaze and stance. Editor: These prints were very popular as advertising in their time. Kunichika lived and worked through a period of huge social change in Japan. He captures the vibrancy of the Kabuki theatre scene, its cultural significance. Curator: Absolutely. And you can see how the stylized makeup and exaggerated expression are designed to convey very specific emotional information to the audience, relying on codified gestures. Editor: I find it fascinating how Kunichika's art reflects the changing role of theatre and its stars within a rapidly modernizing society. Thank you for bringing fresh insight to the symbols at play in this artwork.