Tenth month Possibly 1851

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print titled “Tenth Month” using ink and color on paper. It offers us a glimpse into the cultural nuances of 19th-century Japan, particularly during the late Edo period. The artwork likely depicts a scene from a Kabuki play, a popular form of entertainment for the merchant class that had gained economic power but were still socially restricted. Kunisada, a leading artist of Ukiyo-e prints, captured the ephemeral world of the theater and its stars. He focused on male actors, known as "onnagata", who played female roles. The delicate portrayal of the figures challenges traditional gender norms, questioning the fixedness of identity and the fluidity of performance. The print is imbued with an emotional complexity. The characters’ expressions hint at unspoken desires, hidden tensions, and the complex social dynamics which shaped their lives. Kunisada captures the emotional tension and unspoken narratives that resonate even today.