Kubuki Actor Ichikawa Ebizō as Takemura Sadanoshin 1794

Tōshūsai Sharaku made this woodblock print of the Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō, whose character is Takemura Sadanoshin. Here, the material--wood--is intrinsic to the image itself. The grain subtly appears in the background, adding depth to the image. Woodblock printing is a demanding process of carving, inking, and pressing. Look closely at the composition: the face, costume, and details are created by different blocks. The texture and precision speak to the skill involved. Woodblock prints were relatively inexpensive, and the commercial demand for them supported a whole industry of artists, carvers, printers, and publishers. These images were incredibly popular. By understanding the labor and processes involved, we can begin to grasp the significance of this object and the world of Kabuki theater in the culture of the time.