The Actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Jinriki Tamigoro 1867

Curator: Right now, we’re standing in front of "The Actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Jinriki Tamigoro", created around 1867 by Toyohara Kunichika. This striking woodblock print on paper captures a figure from Japanese Kabuki theater, and it currently resides here at The Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: Oh, my, the intensity! That unwavering gaze could bore right through you! And is it just me, or is there a slight melancholy to it as well? Almost a world-weariness lurking beneath the surface. Curator: Absolutely. Kunichika was a master of ukiyo-e, "pictures of the floating world," often depicting actors. He excelled at capturing the persona and the spirit of his subjects, something especially clear in portraiture. What fascinates me are the dynamic compositions. Look at how the diagonal lines of his kimono cut across the rectangular print format, animating the whole scene! Editor: It’s that kimono pattern, isn’t it? The geometric design clashing delightfully with the softness of the colors. The bright greens set against the darker shades give it a wonderful vibrance! I wonder what sort of symbolism that choice of garment holds. Curator: Very insightful, that’s typical for Kunichika’s work; often drawing on recognizable symbology to create something beyond mere portraiture, even for these promotional theater prints. He also liked to play with contemporary elements mixed with historical tales, adding depth to pieces like this one. It could imply a certain character attribute associated with a stage performance. Editor: I am absolutely captivated by this theatricality. What makes a piece like this one more than simply a piece of advertising ephemera, something elevated. The drama within the character and that tension certainly do resonate. Curator: Indeed. And thinking of Kunichika’s legacy – this artwork’s bold line work and color certainly captures both his innovative craftsmanship as well as the electric culture of late Edo-period Japan. Editor: And maybe that's the true charm – a single still that’s more expressive and animated than most video! Food for thought.