Nakayama Tomisaburo in a Female Role 1769 - 1825

This woodblock print of Nakayama Tomisaburo in a female role was created by Utagawa Toyokuni I. Notice the composition, where vertical lines give the structure of the print, while diagonals add some dynamic movement to it. The actor is presented in a moment of contemplation, and this is reinforced by the formal qualities of the work. The colour palette is muted, dominated by beige and yellow tones, which gives the work a sober atmosphere. The lines that constitute the branches, the balustrade and the woven texture of the basket work together to give the print its structure. They are all signs that create a sense of place. The artist’s choice of a restrained palette may reflect a deeper engagement with the transient nature of performance, where illusion and reality intertwine. The print doesn't just capture an actor in costume, but it encourages contemplation on representation itself.