De acteur BAndo Misugoro 1869

Utagawa Yoshiiku created this print of the actor Bando Misugoro using woodblock printing techniques. Woodblock prints such as this one had a fascinating public role in 19th century Japan. These prints offered a novel way to represent actors as celebrities. The exaggerated features and stylized poses showcased the actor's stage persona, turning actors into recognizable figures outside the theater. The prints created an appetite for the theater and gave publicity to the actor involved. Understanding the social conditions that shaped these artistic productions requires delving into the history of the Kabuki theatre and the popular culture of the Edo period. Research into the archives of theatrical ephemera, playbills, and critical reviews of the time might enhance our understanding. The role of art then becomes something contingent on this social and institutional context.