Bandō Mitsugorō II as the Farmer Asakusa no Jirōsaku 1795

Tōshūsai Sharaku created this woodblock print titled ‘Bandō Mitsugorō II as the Farmer Asakusa no Jirōsaku.’ During the Edo period in Japan, the rigid class structure influenced Kabuki theater and its portrayal of social roles. Sharaku, shrouded in mystery, emerged briefly, producing striking portraits of Kabuki actors. Here, Bandō Mitsugorō II embodies the farmer Asakusa no Jirōsaku, a character that reflects both the romanticization and the lived realities of the working class. The actor's portrayal is not just a representation but a performance of identity, highlighting the fluidity between social roles and artistic expression. The theatrical world allowed for a temporary suspension of social norms, offering a space to explore and challenge societal expectations. This print invites us to reflect on the complexities of representation and the power of art to mediate our understanding of identity.