Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke as Yanone Gōrō 

Editor: This is Torii Kiyonaga's woodblock print of "Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke as Yanone Gōrō." I’m really struck by the bold patterns on his robe and the towering arrows behind him. What can you tell me about the social context of this print? Curator: Well, these actor prints, known as yakusha-e, were hugely popular. They were essentially celebrity endorsements of the Edo period, fueling a vibrant fan culture. Notice how the actor isn't just portrayed but embodied through costume and pose, reinforcing his stage persona. Editor: So, it's not just art, but also part of the celebrity culture of the time. It makes me wonder about the relationship between art and popular entertainment back then. Curator: Exactly. And think about the role of the publisher in commissioning and distributing these prints. They shaped public taste and celebrated popular culture. Editor: I never considered the publisher's influence before. Thanks for shedding light on the cultural context. Curator: My pleasure. It's fascinating how a single print can reveal so much about society.