The Actor Ichikawa Yaozō III Holding a Red Fan 1794

Katsukawa Shun'ei made this woodblock print of the actor Ichikawa Yaozō III in Japan, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Known as ukiyo-e, these prints were made by carving a design into a block of wood. Ink was then applied and transferred to paper. The process demanded the coordinated work of the artist, the carver, and the printer, each a specialist in their own right. The material qualities of the paper and ink, combined with the precision of the carving, give the print its distinctive flat, graphic appearance. Prints like this were not considered "high art," but rather a popular commodity, catering to a broad audience interested in the latest trends in fashion and theatre. The actor is depicted with a somber expression, his costume rendered in bold colors, and a stylized fan. The texture of the wood grain adds depth to the image, reminding us of the labor-intensive process involved in its production. By appreciating the materials and techniques used, we gain insight into the social and cultural context in which this print was made, and its connection to wider systems of labor, politics, and consumption.