Ichikawa Monosuke II 1780 - 1810

Editor: Here we have Katsukawa Shun'ei's "Ichikawa Monosuke II," a woodblock print created sometime between 1780 and 1810. There’s something very striking about the textures, the way the different fabrics are rendered. What are your initial thoughts on how this print engages with materials and production? Curator: For me, this print exemplifies the Ukiyo-e tradition's commercial and material aspects. Woodblock printing itself democratized art production in Japan, making images of actors, like Ichikawa Monosuke II, accessible to a broad public. Think about the labour involved: the artist's design, the carver meticulously translating that onto wood, and the printer carefully layering the colours. Do you notice how the lines suggest the grain of the wood, almost celebrating the means of its production? Editor: I do. The visible grain adds another layer of texture, beyond just what’s depicted in the garments. The labour feels very present. Could the details of his costume indicate wealth? Curator: Precisely. Consider the quality of the paper, the ink, the pigments. The choices reflect a specific economic reality where the demand for these prints fueled workshops and markets. Also, look closely at the rendering of the actor's robes; they seem to highlight a tension between the elaborate designs and the relatively simple techniques to apply dye, all destined for mass consumption by theatre enthusiasts. The question becomes, how is this art serving the society producing and consuming it? Editor: So, the print isn't just a portrait, it's a record of artistic labour and commercial exchange. It really changes how I see it! Thank you! Curator: It showcases the interplay of artistic intention, manual labour and market demand that shaped artistic creation during this period. We’ve highlighted that this seemingly straightforward portrait reveals complex information when you explore the method of production and means of consumption!