Actor Bandō Hikosaburō AS GORO TOKIMUNE 

Editor: So, this striking print, “Actor Bandō Hikosaburō as Goro Tokimune” by Kitao Shigemasa… I’m fascinated by the patterned kimono and dramatic pose. What story do you think it’s trying to tell? Curator: Ah, yes, a Kabuki actor caught mid-scene! The dynamic tension—that gaze, the raised weapon—it's palpable. The butterflies might signify transformation, the fleeting nature of performance itself. Notice how the artist flattens the space, drawing us into this heightened moment of drama. What does that strike in you? Editor: It feels intimate, like we're sharing a secret with the character. Curator: Precisely! It transcends mere portraiture. It's about capturing the *essence* of a role, the fleeting magic of the stage, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely! I see it now, it's not just a picture; it's a portal! Curator: Exactly! And maybe that’s the real artistry, the invitation to step into another world.