Kichiiemon as Hoshikage Tsuchiemon 1921

This image shows Kichiiemon as Hoshikage Tsuchiemon, made by Yamamura Toyonari. Just look at the way the artist uses flat planes of colour to build this image. It’s kind of like piecing together a puzzle, where each shape contributes to the whole. The artist's choice of a limited palette adds to the graphic quality of the print. The black of the hair and robes contrasts beautifully with the pale white face and the subtle blue shading around the neck. The details, like the flower on the robe, and the blade, are rendered with such care, each line and curve contributing to the overall sense of harmony. It’s a reminder that even in simplicity, there’s room for endless expression. Toyonari’s work, like that of other printmakers such as Utamaro, reminds us that art is a conversation across time. What’s really interesting is how they leave space for interpretation. It's not about telling you what to think, but about inviting you to bring your own thoughts and feelings to the table.