The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as Oiso no Tora in the play "Soga Moyo Aigo no Wakamatsu," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the first month, 1769 1769

This woodblock print of Segawa Kikunojo II, made in 1769 by Torii Kiyomitsu, captures the actor in the role of Oiso no Tora. The composition, defined by elegant verticality, emphasizes the figure's poised stance and elaborate costume. The Actor's robes display intricate patterns of floral designs, rendered in a subtle palette of pinks, greens, and greys, which play against the neutral ground. Note the stark contrast between the delicate fabric and the three boldly rendered swords. This juxtaposition creates visual tension and hints at the character’s duality: a blend of grace and strength. The print is not merely a portrait but a semiotic construct, a carefully arranged set of signs. The artist uses line and color to suggest the complex interplay of gender, performance, and identity inherent in Kabuki theater. These formal choices destabilize conventional notions of representation, inviting us to consider the fluidity of identity. This visual language is rich with cultural codes that challenge fixed meanings, inviting constant interpretation.