The Actor Nakamura Tomijuro in the Role of Sayohime Disguised as Hanamasu 1773

Editor: This is "The Actor Nakamura Tomijuro in the Role of Sayohime Disguised as Hanamasu," a woodblock print by Torii Kiyonaga from 1773. I'm really struck by the stillness of it. It feels very composed, and almost serene. What stands out to you most about it? Curator: Beyond the beautiful lines and muted palette typical of ukiyo-e prints, what resonates for me is the gender play. Consider the actor, Nakamura Tomijuro, a male, embodying the female role of Sayohime disguised as Hanamasu. This isn’t just cross-dressing; it's a layering of identities that challenges rigid gender norms of the Edo period. What does it mean to see a man, portraying a woman, playing a role within a role? Editor: I see what you mean! It's like looking at performance *within* a performance. I guess I was just seeing the beautiful composition, I hadn't considered that it's intentionally questioning traditional representations of gender. Curator: Exactly! Think about the expectations placed on women at this time and the freedom afforded to men, even within the confines of artistic expression. The *onna-gata*, male actors specializing in female roles, were celebrities, and their performances often provided a space to explore and sometimes subvert those norms. Where do you see these challenges to gender expectations playing out visually? Editor: I'm now noticing the subtle details - the elaborate kimono, which at first I saw simply as beautiful, but now feels deliberately constructed as an almost theatrical costume, the composed pose – all seem to underscore the performative aspect. It all calls attention to the artificiality of these constructed roles. Curator: Precisely. By understanding the social context, this print transforms from a simple portrait into a commentary on the fluid nature of identity. The careful consideration of gender roles, power, and societal expectation, provides avenues to reconsider history’s dominant narratives and apply more inclusive theories and viewpoints. Editor: Wow, I definitely see this artwork in a new light! I'll never look at another portrait quite the same way. Curator: Excellent! Keep questioning those surface impressions! Remember, the most fascinating aspect is in that challenging dialogue.