The actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Gorobei 1794

Tōshūsai Sharaku made this woodblock print of the actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Gorobei. Prints like this one served a vital public function in Japan. Kabuki theatre was a major form of entertainment and actors were celebrities. This print captures the theatrical intensity of Kabuki. The bold lines, the stark contrast between light skin and dark hair, and the actor's dramatic expression. All of this creates an immediate impression. The artist's decision to focus on actors suggests a growing interest in celebrity culture in Japan, and a shift away from more traditional subject matter. Prints like this one were often produced quickly and in large numbers, which made them accessible to a wide audience. The historian examines the socio-political and economic context in which art is made. By studying the cultural references and historical associations of Kabuki, we gain a deeper appreciation for the social conditions that shaped its artistic production.