The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro Vl as Soga no Goro Tokimune (Rokudai-me Ichikawa Danjuro no Soga no Goro Tokimune) Possibly 1795 - 1797

Tōshūsai Sharaku’s woodblock print captures the actor Ichikawa Danjuro Vl as Soga no Goro Tokimune, and it offers a glimpse into the vibrant cultural world of 18th-century Japan. Kabuki theater was at the heart of popular entertainment, often navigating complex social hierarchies and political undertones. Here, the actor embodies the intensity of his role, his posture suggesting both constraint and coiled power. It is important to note that Kabuki was initially performed by women, but later transitioned to all-male casts, reflecting shifts in social mores. The print captures the emotional intensity of the actor's performance through the butterfly motifs on the robes, symbolizing transformation and freedom. The representation of male figures in dramatic, emotional roles allowed for exploration of gender expression within established cultural forms. The artist invites us to consider the ways in which identity is performed and perceived, both on and off the stage.