Actors Nakamura Denkurō and Ichikawa Monosuke c. 18th century

Editor: This woodblock print, "Actors Nakamura Denkurō and Ichikawa Monosuke" by Katsukawa Shunshō, has such incredible detail in the actors’ robes. I'm curious about the techniques used to create the patterns and bring out the actors' expressions. How do you interpret this work? Curator: From a materialist perspective, consider the labor involved. Each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved and printed. Look at the precise registration. The vibrant hues, derived from specific pigments, and the paper itself, all speak to a complex network of artisans and economic exchange that brought Kabuki to its audience. Editor: So it's not just about the image, but the entire production process that gives it meaning? Curator: Precisely. The consumption of Kabuki and these prints reveals a lot about the social context. What was the role of these actors in society? How did the means of production shape the artistic style? Editor: I never thought about it that way. It's amazing to consider all the hands involved in creating this single image.