The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro II as Ike no Shoji in the play "Oguri Choseiden," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the eleventh month, 1725 1725

Editor: This is quite a captivating piece. “The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro II as Ike no Shoji in the play "Oguri Choseiden," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the eleventh month, 1725”, a woodblock print created by Okumura Masanobu. There’s a certain theatrical energy about it, perhaps even a bit comical, and yet, grand. The actor’s expression feels…strained? I wonder, what grabs your attention in this artwork? Curator: Strained is a fantastic way to put it. He’s certainly *feeling* something, isn’t he? This print is Ukiyo-e, a genre known for capturing fleeting moments, the 'floating world’ as they called it. Consider that giant radish he’s holding—absurd, right? But likely a key prop signifying something specific about his character or the scene in the play. It also shows the cultural context. Have you ever tried holding a huge radish like that? I bet it gets very tiresome quickly. He looks to be making sure his headwear doesn't slip as a result of his effort. What does it make *you* think of? Editor: Hmmm, I guess it highlights the artifice of theatre, all that performative strain. He's presenting it with all his might as if it were light, so what does that symbolise, perhaps something of value? The detail in the costume is remarkable, and that determined look... it all feels deliberate. Almost as if to suggest that every little part is part of one greater thing. Curator: Precisely. This tension between reality and performance is central to Ukiyo-e and Japanese Kabuki theatre. The stylized pose, the vibrant colors – it’s all carefully constructed to evoke a particular emotion, a certain atmosphere. Knowing it was part of this wider culture opens new dimensions to appreciating its craftsmanship and intent. Do you notice anything else? Editor: Well, seeing how the actor may be strained by his role and wanting to present his part in a certain way gives the play and Ukiyo-e itself new depths. Thanks for this new perspective. Curator: And thank *you* for spotting the perfect descriptor right off the bat - 'strained', yes, perfect to reveal these wider themes. Now when am *I* ever going to forget this piece?