Actor Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō AS A SAMURAI c. 18th century

Editor: This is a woodblock print, "Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō as a Samurai" by Ippitsusai Bunchō. The actor's intense expression is captivating! What social role did these actor prints fulfill? Curator: These prints, *yakusha-e*, were essentially publicity for Kabuki actors. The actor here, Ichikawa Danjūrō, was a star, and prints like this shaped his public image, solidifying his celebrity and the theater's popularity within Edo society. Did the samurai class embrace such theatrical depictions? Editor: I hadn't considered the samurai perspective. That's fascinating! Curator: Indeed, reflecting on the diverse audience and their reception is key to understanding the print's cultural impact.