Arashi Kitsusaburô I als Sasaki Takatsuna 1821

Curator: Let's take a look at "Arashi Kitsusaburô I als Sasaki Takatsuna," a woodblock print by Shunkôsai Hokushû, created around 1821. It’s currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Wow, that scowl could curdle milk! It’s kind of fabulous, though—so dramatic and precise. Curator: Indeed. The print is a classic example of Ukiyo-e portraiture, part of a larger system involving publishers, artisans, and, of course, the consumers who acquired these prints, often theatergoers themselves. Editor: You can practically feel the layers, not just of ink on paper, but also performance. It’s almost like the print IS the performance—flattened and frozen, but so full of intense energy. Curator: Notice the flat color and bold lines. Hokushû really highlights the costume and makeup. This served not only an aesthetic purpose but aided recognition. Think of these prints as promotional material as well. The production was reliant on established networks and a distinct aesthetic tailored for its specific consumers. Editor: He seems utterly unamused by it all. The contrast between the meticulous detail of his robes and the stark whiteness of his face makes you wonder what he's *really* thinking behind all the paint. Is it boredom? Or sheer dedication? Maybe he's just contemplating lunch. Curator: Or perhaps contemplating his performance and the audience's response? Woodblock prints allowed these portrayals to reach a much wider viewership than those simply attending the Kabuki theaters in Osaka, so while personal, this image would contribute significantly to his persona. The circulation and reception are crucial parts of understanding it. Editor: Yes, there's this palpable sense of artifice about the whole thing—it embraces its manufactured nature, you know? It’s this tension between theatrical mask and human presence that makes it compelling, I guess. The carving tools have transformed the actor but he lives on through this print. Curator: Precisely, the act of artistic production and distribution adds an additional layer to consider. Editor: Well, this has certainly given me a renewed appreciation for scowling actors and the whole world that enabled it. Curator: And I think we've highlighted how social forces are etched right onto the material, even in what might seem like a straightforward portrait.