Nakamura Riko in the Role of Oiso no Tora 1782

This woodblock print depicts Nakamura Riko in the role of Oiso no Tora, and was created by Katsukawa Shunshō in 18th century Japan. Shunshō was a leading artist of ukiyo-e prints, a genre that flourished during the Edo period. This print offers a glimpse into the world of kabuki theater and the lives of the actors who captivated audiences. It acknowledges the complex relationship between performers and their roles. Nakamura Riko embodies the character of Oiso no Tora, likely drawing on societal perceptions of women, gender, and performance. Such prints immortalized actors and were avidly collected. While seemingly celebrating the individual, they also reinforced the commodification of performers, particularly women, within the entertainment industry. What do you feel when you consider that this print both commemorates Nakamura Riko and confines her to a specific role? This artwork invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity, representation, and the gaze within historical contexts.