Actors Segawa Kichiji II as Matsuwaka and Bandō Hikosaburō II as Mumewaka Possibly 1756

Editor: This woodblock print by Torii Kiyohiro portrays actors as Matsuwaka and Mumewaka. The figures are so elegant! What do you think this print reveals about the role of Kabuki theater in Japanese society at the time? Curator: This print speaks volumes. Kabuki wasn't just entertainment; it was a powerful cultural force. Notice how the actors are idealized, almost elevated. This helped shape public perceptions of masculinity and beauty. How do you think the print’s circulation affected the actors' celebrity? Editor: It probably amplified it, reaching wider audiences and solidifying their status! It's like early modern celebrity culture. Curator: Precisely! And the patronage system surrounding these prints – actors, publishers, fans – created a fascinating intersection of art, commerce, and social identity. Thinking about it this way gives us a window into the cultural values of the era. Editor: I never thought about it like that. Thanks!