The actor Nakamura Tôzô V in the role of Susanoo no Mikoto 1915

Curator: This captivating woodblock print by Natori Shunsen, created in 1915, portrays the actor Nakamura Tōzō V as Susanoo no Mikoto, a Shinto deity. What strikes you most about it? Editor: The intensity of the gaze! There's an undeniable anger, a sense of barely-contained power radiating from this figure. You can see it especially in the tension around the mouth and the sharpness of the brow. It speaks volumes about the emotional depth Shunsen captured. Curator: Indeed. Shunsen was a master of yakusha-e, or actor prints, a popular genre within the Ukiyo-e tradition. These prints weren't just portraits; they captured the essence of the actor’s interpretation of a role, drawing on established iconography to amplify meaning. Here, you see classic symbols of Susanoo—the wild hair, the powerful stance—all working to convey this deity’s tempestuous nature. Editor: I appreciate that you brought up iconography. Look at the strategic use of makeup, particularly around the eyes. It exaggerates emotion, almost transforming the actor into a living emblem. Was this a deliberate choice to critique the societal role placed upon performers or comment on shifting perceptions of masculinity in early 20th century Japan? Curator: Well, traditionally, the bold makeup, called "kumadori," is employed in kabuki theater to denote character traits. The red around the eyes signifies Susanoo's anger and heroism. Shunsen is engaging with a rich theatrical history. To read it as a commentary, though potentially valid, is an interpretive lens that would not necessarily align with how the artwork was perceived at the time of its creation. Editor: Perhaps. Yet, we can't ignore the fact that this print emerges at a pivotal moment of modernization in Japan. The very act of portraying an actor, playing a god, and circulating that image via print – this becomes a fascinating intersection of tradition, identity, and mass culture that demands critical reading. What remains potent today is that it captures the complexities of identity, performance, and the burdens they carry in the modern world. Curator: I appreciate that broader framing. Looking at this print, I am also reminded of the enduring power of symbols and how they continue to evolve in meaning as we ourselves evolve. Editor: Yes, absolutely. "The actor Nakamura Tōzō V in the role of Susanoo no Mikoto" becomes more than just a portrait, doesn't it? It becomes a powerful lens for interrogating our world.