Actors in a scene from the play The Story of Cherry Blossoms on Higashiyama (Higashiyama sakura zōshi): Onoe Kikujirō II as Besshitsu Fuji no kata (center sheet) Possibly 1851 - 1858

Editor: This vibrant woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, titled *Actors in a scene from the play The Story of Cherry Blossoms on Higashiyama*, depicts a woman playing a koto. The colors are so striking! What story do you think this print tells? Curator: The beauty of ukiyo-e lies in its ability to reflect Edo period society. The actor, Onoe Kikujiro II, is playing a female role. This speaks to gender fluidity and performance as a form of social commentary. How does understanding the social role of theater at the time shift our perception? Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn't considered the gender performance aspect. Curator: Indeed. By recognizing the layered meanings embedded in the work, we unveil social norms and artistic expressions beyond face value. It's about acknowledging the power of art to challenge and subvert. Editor: I learned a lot about approaching art with a broader understanding of social dynamics. Curator: And I am happy to have shared this moment with you.