Portrait of Ichimura Takenojō and Sanjō Kantarō 1783 - 1803

Here is a woodblock print by Okumura Toshinobu, made around the mid-18th century, depicting actors Ichimura Takenojō and Sanjō Kantarō. The print presents a visually intriguing scene, characterized by the use of flat planes of color and strong outlines. Consider the composition. It is divided into distinct areas: the figures themselves, the background wall, and the objects in the foreground. Toshinobu uses the lines and shapes to flatten the space, reducing depth and emphasizing the surface of the print. Notice the interplay of geometric and organic shapes. The actors’ robes are adorned with complex patterns of flowers, contrasted by the simple rectangles of the backdrop. This tension between flatness and representation plays with our perceptions of space and form. The semiotic system of signs and symbols, from the actor’s dress to the objects around them, are not just aesthetic choices. They communicate social and cultural meanings, reflecting the artistic and philosophical concerns of the time. This print embodies how visual elements function within a historical context, challenging us to consider the evolving nature of art and its interpretation.