Nakamura Utaemon III in de rol van Gotobei Moritsugu 1863 - 1867

Editor: This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, dating from the 1860s, features Nakamura Utaemon III in the role of Gotobei Moritsugu. I'm immediately struck by the intense expression – almost cartoonish in its exaggeration. What do you see in this piece, beyond just a theatrical portrait? Curator: The exaggerated expression, you see, is no accident. Consider Kabuki theatre itself—highly stylized. The faces, the gestures are codified, symbolic. Notice the upward gaze, the furrowed brow. These aren't merely expressions; they are established visual shorthands within the Ukiyo-e tradition, laden with meaning. Think of it as visual language—can you see the elements of the "Mie" pose in this artwork? Editor: I think so... it feels like he's caught mid-performance, eyes wide, holding a dramatic pose, the hilt of his sword almost jutting out. Does this exaggeration play a part in how it’s remembered or understood? Curator: Absolutely. These images weren't simply documentation; they were actively constructing and reinforcing cultural memory. Kabuki wasn't just entertainment; it was a repository of historical narratives, moral lessons. By exaggerating features, the artist engraves the character—both the actor and the role he embodies—into the collective consciousness. Think about the symbolism of color, too—does it relate to the narrative elements of the Kabuki theatre? Editor: I hadn’t considered the colors in that light before; it certainly gives me a deeper appreciation. I had focused on the intensity of the caricature, but it seems there is far more layering of meaning behind each aspect of the work. Curator: Precisely! This work shows a play with symbolic shorthand and cultural memory that offers great insights.