Actor Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō 5th 

Editor: This woodblock print depicts the actor Ichikawa Danjūrō V. What strikes me is the bold geometric pattern on his robe. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The bold geometric pattern, indeed, is the “mimasu” crest, a symbol deeply associated with the Ichikawa Danjūrō line of actors. It signifies their lineage and artistic identity. This layering of symbolic meaning reveals how personal identity is crafted and communicated through visual motifs. Editor: So, it’s like a family brand? Curator: Precisely. The crest, repeated and displayed prominently, functions as a visual anchor, reminding the audience of the actor’s heritage and the artistic legacy he carries. The artwork serves as a cultural artifact. Editor: I never thought about a crest as a visual representation of cultural memory. That's fascinating.