Meiboku Sendai Hagi 

Editor: This is Utagawa Kunisada's "Meiboku Sendai Hagi," a woodblock print from the Harvard Art Museums. The figure emerging from the dark, illuminated by the lantern, makes me think of the theatricality of Kabuki. What can you tell me about the historical context? Curator: The print is likely depicting a scene from a Kabuki play, reflecting the Edo period's fascination with theater and celebrity culture. Notice how the stylized depiction emphasizes artifice. What do you think this print reveals about the social function of art during that era? Editor: It's interesting to see how art served as both entertainment and a way to immortalize actors and plays. I hadn't considered that before. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. Considering the cultural significance, the print offers a glimpse into the values and diversions of its time.