Segawa Kikunojō III in the Role of Ōiso no Tora 1780 - 1810

This print by Katsukawa Shunkō captures the actor Segawa Kikunojō III in the role of Ōiso no Tora. It’s a woodblock print, made through a complex process of carving, inking, and pressing. The flat, graphic style is determined by the nature of the medium. Each color requires a separate block and a skilled hand to align precisely, and the crisp lines and blocks of color speak to the inherent qualities of wood. This wasn’t just a reproductive process; the woodblock carver had to be creatively attuned to the artist’s intentions. Prints like these were relatively inexpensive, allowing a wide audience to access images of popular actors. This reflects a shift in the art world, with increased attention to the lives and tastes of the merchant class. The amount of labor involved in creating these prints also speaks to a well-organized system of production. Thinking about materials, making, and the social context helps us appreciate how printmaking democratized art, challenging traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.