Memorial Portrait of the Actor Arashi Kichisaburo III 1864

Toyohara Kunichika made this woodblock print of the actor Arashi Kichisaburo III sometime in the late 19th century. It’s an image that speaks to the fascinating intersection of theater and celebrity culture in Japan at the time. Kabuki actors like Arashi were major public figures, and memorial prints like this one served as a way for fans to remember and celebrate their favorite performers. The actor is shown in costume, with stylized makeup and a traditional wig, holding prayer beads. The print also includes poems and inscriptions which adds another layer of meaning, reflecting the cultural significance of the actor and his craft. This print was made during the Meiji era, a period of rapid modernization and westernization in Japan. Woodblock prints like this one became increasingly popular as a form of mass media, offering affordable entertainment to a wide audience. To truly understand this print, we can examine playbills, theater reviews, and other cultural ephemera from the period. These sources provide valuable insights into the social and cultural context in which the print was made, and help us to appreciate its significance as a historical document.