Kabuki Actors Sawamura Yodogorō II as Kawatsura Hōgen and Bandō Zenji as Oni Sadobō 1794

Editor: Here we have a woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, dating to 1794, titled *Kabuki Actors Sawamura Yodogorō II as Kawatsura Hōgen and Bandō Zenji as Oni Sadobō*. Wow, those facial expressions! It’s pretty intense…almost unsettling. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: Well, aren't they just a pair of captivating chaps! Sharaku had a real knack for catching the subtle (or not-so-subtle) quirks in people's faces. It's like he peeked straight into their souls and then gave it a little, shall we say, *artistic* nudge. Look how he’s exaggerated the features—the elongated face of one, the bulging eyes. Makes you wonder what scandal they're plotting, doesn’t it? It’s more than just a portrait; it's a juicy caricature. Ukiyo-e prints often did this. Have you noticed the stark color palette? It adds to the dramatic flair. Editor: I do. And those stylized hands, too! It’s interesting how the flat colours kind of heighten the caricature, actually. They're so graphic. Were all Ukiyo-e prints this... bold? Curator: Bold is one word for it, darling. You see, prints like this were sort of the tabloids of their day. But with more flair, naturally. These weren't meant to be subtle. Now, regarding boldness, imagine seeing something this, uh, “truthful” of public figures at that time! What do you think the artist's goal was? Merely documentation, or was there some intent for social commentary? I wonder what our actors would say. Editor: Maybe a bit of both? It definitely captures a mood, beyond just documenting their appearances. Something critical perhaps. I definitely feel like I learned a little something today about the importance of historical context for interpreting works like this. Curator: Indeed. Every glance is a fresh perspective. Maybe, just maybe, it's why we never tire of a good muse. Now, fancy some tea?