Ichikawa Sansho as a Sweetmeat Peddler 1926

Natori Shunsen created this woodblock print of Ichikawa Sansho, the famous Kabuki actor, sometime in the early to mid-twentieth century. Shunsen devoted himself to yakusha-e prints depicting Kabuki actors, which, like his predecessor, Toyokuni, he produced for a wide audience. The artist's chosen subject, Kabuki theatre, was one of the main forms of entertainment for the rising merchant classes during the Edo period in Japan. Kabuki was more than just entertainment; it was an important cultural institution, a place where people could come together to see stories that reflected their own lives and values. Kabuki actors enjoyed celebrity status and were tastemakers, influencing fashion and trends through the roles they played. This particular character, a sweetmeat peddler, is a popular figure in Kabuki plays. Understanding this work requires knowledge of Japanese history, theatre, and printmaking traditions. By examining the artwork in its social and cultural context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its meaning and significance.