Ichikawa Danjuro VII and Bando Mitsugoro III as Soga no Goro and Asaina no Saburo 1827

Editor: So this print, *Ichikawa Danjuro VII and Bando Mitsugoro III as Soga no Goro and Asaina no Saburo*, dates to 1827 and it’s by Utagawa Kunisada. The intensity of the figures, and their bold colors, give the whole image such dramatic flair! What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: Well, first, isn't it fascinating how Kunisada captures not just a scene, but the essence of performance? Those aren't just any warriors; they're kabuki actors, embodying those iconic roles. Look at the dynamic poses! The artist invites us behind the scenes, blurring the line between stagecraft and historical narrative. It’s not about realism. Have you ever been to a Kabuki show? Editor: I haven't, but now I really want to! I love how it seems to capture a story in mid-action. Is the intensity typical of Japanese prints from this period? Curator: Absolutely! And it gets me thinking...this piece speaks volumes about 19th-century Japanese culture. This period celebrated theatre as popular entertainment, where heroes were larger than life. Did you notice the detail of the actors' faces and costumes? Editor: I did! The makeup especially feels crucial to the drama. It all gives so much life to flat figures. Curator: Precisely! Think of the colours, the exaggerated expressions… this wasn't just art; it was a mirror reflecting society's dreams and escapades. The artist transforms flat planes into swirling vortexes of emotional color. It has hints of Hokusai in its bravura application. Editor: So it's about more than just a single battle—it represents a whole cultural phenomenon. That makes it so much more compelling to consider. Curator: Exactly! These works speak not only of epic confrontations but a rich narrative that captures theatre, narrative, and print culture!