Poem by Ariwara no Narihira Ason: Actor Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō 8th as Seigen, from the series Comparisons for Thirty-six Selected Poems (Mitate sanjÅ«rokkasen no uchi) Possibly 1852 - 1855

Editor: This woodblock print, "Poem by Ariwara no Narihira Ason: Actor Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō 8th as Seigen," by Utagawa Kunisada, features a figure with intense expression. What can you tell me about the cultural context of this work? Curator: This print is part of a series linking actors to classical poems. The actor is portraying Seigen, a character known from literature, referencing both high and low culture. How might this blending of forms affect its audience? Editor: It makes the poetry more accessible through a popular medium like the theater. I see the actor's portrayal adds another layer of interpretation to the poem. Curator: Exactly! The print serves as a cultural artifact that reflects the social landscape and theatrical world of its time, doesn’t it? Editor: I hadn't considered the social commentary embedded in such a beautiful print. Curator: It shows how deeply art is interwoven with the fabric of society.