Actor Iwai Hanshirō 5th, from an untitled series of actors on the theme of Snow, Moon and Flowers (Setsugekka) c. 1825

Editor: So this woodblock print depicts Actor Iwai Hanshirō 5th, and is part of Utagawa Kunisada’s series, *Snow, Moon and Flowers (Setsugekka)*. It has an ethereal quality, almost dreamlike. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The actor print offers a window into the complex social dynamics of Edo-period Japan. Notice how the *ukiyo-e* tradition elevated actors to celebrity status, reflecting and shaping societal values. Consider what it meant to represent a male actor in a female role, challenging gender norms within the confines of artistic expression. Editor: So, the print is more than just a portrait; it’s a commentary? Curator: Absolutely. By looking at art through the lens of gender and social roles, we can better understand the layered meanings embedded in this seemingly simple image and its potential to reinforce or subvert social conventions. Editor: That adds a whole new layer to my understanding, thank you. Curator: The pleasure is all mine.