Ichikawa Jukai in de rol van Kimura Shigenari 1952

Editor: So, this woodblock print from 1952 by Natori Shunsen is called "Ichikawa Jukai in de rol van Kimura Shigenari". The subject's intense gaze and theatrical makeup give off a palpable sense of drama. How should we interpret this in a historical context? Curator: Well, this print belongs to the Ukiyo-e tradition, which flourished during the Edo period and beyond, depicting scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and, significantly, the theater. Consider the Kabuki theatre itself; it was not just entertainment, but a space where societal norms were both reinforced and challenged. It played a role in constructing identity. How might a print like this, showcasing a specific actor in a specific role, feed into the Kabuki culture and the star-making system of that time? Editor: It's interesting that you mention "star-making". In a sense, wasn't this a form of early celebrity endorsement? The actor's fame helps to promote the play, and the print itself becomes a commodity. Curator: Precisely. The print served to disseminate the image of the actor, building their brand, if you will, and further popularizing Kabuki. What's fascinating is that this happened within a rigid social hierarchy. Think about the restrictions placed on merchants, for instance, and how popular culture provided a means of expression and escape. The lavish costumes and exaggerated performances of Kabuki offered a temporary reprieve from the strict social rules. Editor: So this seemingly simple portrait of an actor is actually layered with social commentary about class and societal pressure. I never considered it that deeply before. Curator: That’s right! It shows how a popular art form intersects with social dynamics, commercial interests, and even political undercurrents of the time. Examining this print opens up conversations about the power of visual imagery, the construction of identity, and the function of art within a given historical framework. Editor: I appreciate learning how historical context transforms my perception of the work.