Listening to the Sound of Bouncing Ball (Matsumoto Kōshirō IV) 1787 - 1795

Katsukawa Shunchō created this woodblock print, titled "Listening to the Sound of Bouncing Ball (Matsumoto Kōshirō IV)," in Japan, sometime in the late 18th century. It captures the likeness of Matsumoto Kōshirō IV, a prominent Kabuki actor, accompanied by a young attendant. During this period, Kabuki theater was a major cultural force, often reflecting and shaping societal norms. The portrayal of actors, like Matsumoto, wasn’t merely documentation, but a commentary on celebrity, gender, and social roles. Shunchō, working within the Ukiyo-e tradition, here offers us a window into the representation of masculinity and class. The actor's poised demeanor and the attendant's subservient posture speak volumes about hierarchical structures, where personal identity was often entwined with public persona. Reflecting on this print, we might consider how historical depictions of identity influence contemporary understandings of performance, status, and the delicate balance between personal and public life.