The Actor Sawamura Kodenji I as Tsuyu no Mae in the play "Kanto Koroku," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the third month, 1698 (?) c. 1698 - 1915

This woodblock print, made in Japan around 1698 by Torii Kiyonobu I, depicts the actor Sawamura Kodenji I in the role of Tsuyu no Mae. This image gives us a fascinating window onto the popular culture of the Edo period. Kabuki theater, as we see here, was a major form of entertainment, and prints like this one served as publicity, celebrity portraits, and records of memorable performances. Consider the stylized depiction of the actor, with emphasis on the elaborate costume and pose. The Torii school, to which Kiyonobu belonged, specialized in these theatrical images. These prints weren't just about capturing a likeness; they were about creating a brand, solidifying the actor's persona in the public eye. To fully understand this image, we'd want to delve into theater history, performance studies, and the social dynamics of Edo-period Japan. Only then can we understand the interplay between art, entertainment, and society.