Acteur Sawamura Sojuro III als Oboshi Yuranosuke 1795

Katsukawa Shun'ei created this woodblock print portraying the actor Sawamura Sojuro III as Oboshi Yuranosuke. Dominating the composition, the fan held by the actor carries a wealth of meaning. In Japanese culture, the fan is not merely an object of utility, but a symbol of status and power. Note the Kabuki actor's stern composure, which suggests inner turmoil, hidden by the fan. The fan itself is a cultural symbol. This reflects the actor's role as a cultural transmitter, embodying values of his society. The motif of a performer hiding behind a mask or prop is ancient: recall the Greek theatre, where masks amplified emotions, or commedia dell'arte, where characters concealed true feelings. The performance, much like life, is a stage where these roles evolve through time. This image encapsulates the cyclical nature of human expression and the enduring power of cultural symbols.