Actor Sawamura SōjÅ«rō 3rd c. 1790s

Curator: This print, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō 3rd" by Katsukawa Shun'ei. Editor: I'm struck by the figure's tense posture and the stark contrast between the floral kimono and the bare feet. It conveys a feeling of vulnerability. Curator: Indeed. Shun'ei, active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was known for his portraits of Kabuki actors. These images were immensely popular, serving as a form of celebrity endorsement and also capturing specific roles. Editor: The window behind him looks like a traditional Japanese design. Does it perhaps connect this actor with specific locations or stories that would resonate with the audience of that time? Curator: Precisely. It is likely that details in the print, such as the actor's pose, costume, and the setting, would have communicated narrative elements to viewers familiar with Kabuki theater and its conventions. The print would then function as a cultural artifact, reflecting the social currency of theater in Edo society. Editor: It's fascinating how much cultural information can be embedded within a single image, a snapshot of celebrity and theatrical tradition. Curator: Yes, and it reminds us of the power of art to both reflect and shape cultural values.