Acteur Sakata Hangoro III in de rol van een yakko. 1788 - 1792

This woodblock print depicts the actor Sakata Hangoro III in the role of a yakko, made by Katsukawa Shun'ei. The actor stands imposingly, his stance wide and unwavering. The artist presents him in a composition that uses strong vertical lines, particularly with the sword held high, which contrasts with the horizontal spread of the figure. Note how Shun’ei employs a limited palette of earthy tones: the red and cream-colored skirt, along with the subtle greens and browns, which imbue the print with a sense of restrained elegance. The clouds, which stand out against the muted background, create a semiotic contrast between the actor’s earthly role and the ethereal world. The yakko’s stern gaze and confident posture reflect a deliberate construction of masculinity and power. It challenges the very nature of representation within the theatre and social context. As you observe the actor, consider how the print destabilizes fixed meanings.