Ichikawa Danjuro II as Kanto Koroku and Yamamura Ichitaro as Oichi 1711 - 1731

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyotomo depicts Ichikawa Danjuro II as Kanto Koroku and Yamamura Ichitaro as Oichi. It presents actors in the symbolic roles of Kabuki theatre that speak to profound truths about human nature. Observe the butterfly motif on the courtesan’s kimono. We can see the butterfly’s transformative symbolism, linking the mortal and spiritual realms. The butterfly has been a symbol of the soul in Greek art and of transformation and joy in early Christian art. The butterfly motif resurfaces in vanitas paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, reminding us of life’s fleeting nature. Such a motif engages us on a deep, subconscious level, recalling universal themes of change and renewal. The way the courtesan supports her head, her expression, is a powerful force in the artwork, that transcends time, evoking emotions that echo through generations. The butterfly, as a symbol of metamorphosis, becomes a potent metaphor for the cyclical nature of existence.