Actors Arashi Sangorō 2nd as Minamoto no Yoritomo disguised as Eboshi Ori (the Hat Maker) and Segawa Kikujirō 2nd as Yuki Onna (the Snow Woman) in the play Myōtogiku Izu no Kisewata at the Ichimura Theater from the eleventh month of 1770 Possibly 1770

Editor: This is a print by Ippitsusai Bunchō called *Actors Arashi Sangorō 2nd as Minamoto no Yoritomo disguised as Eboshi Ori and Segawa Kikujirō 2nd as Yuki Onna*. The figures stand out against the pale background. What can you tell me about how the artist uses form to convey a sense of narrative? Curator: Note how the composition divides the pictorial space between the verticality of the snow woman and the horizontality of the disguised actor. The interplay of line and shape creates a tension, enhanced by the muted palette and spatial ambiguity. Editor: That's fascinating. So the structure itself creates a sense of drama? Curator: Precisely. Consider also how the textures, though subtle, define the emotional space. The smoothness of the snow woman contrasts with the angular folds of the actor's garments. Editor: I hadn't considered that. Thanks for pointing out the importance of their forms. Curator: Indeed. A closer look at form often reveals much about the artist's intent and the artwork's meaning.