Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Yaozō III as Saeki Kurando Tsunenori 1795

Tōshūsai Sharaku created this woodblock print depicting Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Yaozō III as Saeki Kurando Tsunenori, capturing a moment in a Kabuki performance. Kabuki emerged during the Edo period, and it allowed for the development of a new popular culture, influenced by the rise of the merchant class. Here, Yaozō III’s portrayal transcends simple representation; his poised stance, combined with the stark realism of his facial expression, conveys a deep inner conflict. The swords and fan are cultural markers of the Samurai class, but they are being employed in the service of art and entertainment. The emotional complexity of Yaozō's face and figure suggests a meditation on identity, duty, and perhaps even the tensions between social roles and individual expression. The artwork captures a fleeting moment in a life lived publicly, asking us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of identity and performance.