A Fox Dance from the Drama The Thousand Cherry Trees 1723 - 1792

Ippitsusai Bunchō made this woodblock print depicting a scene from the popular drama "The Thousand Cherry Trees" in Japan during the late 18th century. The print captures a moment of performance, and in doing so, it speaks volumes about the cultural institutions that shaped artistic expression at the time. Woodblock prints were not merely artistic creations but commercial products, reflecting the tastes and interests of a broad urban audience. The subject matter here derives from the Kabuki theatre, a dominant institution in Japanese art. The figure of the fox woman is both fantastical and grounded in the conventions of Kabuki, where male actors play female roles and where elaborate costumes and makeup create striking visual spectacles. The cherry blossoms, symbols of spring and renewal, situate the scene within a seasonal context, common in Japanese art. To truly appreciate this print, we need to consider the social and economic forces that sustained both the Kabuki theatre and the production of woodblock prints. We can explore playbills, theatre records, and art market data. These resources can give us a clearer understanding of the cultural landscape in which this image was created and consumed.