Evening Rain at Shukaku - the actor Nakamura Nakazo as Sadakuro, from an untitled series of actor prints 1780

Editor: This woodblock print, "Evening Rain at Shukaku" by Torii Kiyonaga, circa 1780, presents Nakamura Nakazo as Sadakuro caught in the rain. The composition, framed by the dark background, really draws the eye to the central circular scene. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, let’s think about the means of its production, this is Ukiyo-e, “pictures of the floating world”. How was this print made, who was involved in the process and what was their standing in society? We are not talking about high art in the western sense. These actor prints catered to the urban consumer, showing images of the stage and celebrity culture. The paper itself is of particular interest; it speaks volumes about access and availability during this period. Editor: So, the material production of the print says a lot about its cultural context? Curator: Precisely! Consider the woodblock printing technique: artisan, artist, publisher and the consumers were all part of this collaborative process. Look closely: each color requires a separate block. The carving of these blocks and the layering of ink were themselves a form of labor. How might we see the actor depicted here as participating in labor? Editor: I guess, in the depiction of the actor in a role that's like any other profession at the time. By documenting this scene, they elevate a normal worker in society. Curator: Good observation. Do you consider that woodblock prints blurred social hierarchies, with merchants and commoners commissioning these pieces which were then accessible to a wide range of audiences? It definitely speaks about the material culture that challenged traditional artistic boundaries. Editor: That’s really interesting, I hadn't considered how much the medium itself contributes to our understanding of the artwork and its place in society. Curator: Indeed! Reflecting on how the material reality informs our interpretation encourages us to engage with these cultural objects.