Memorial Portrait of the Actor Ichimura Takenojo V 1851

This memorial portrait of the actor Ichimura Takenojo the Fifth was made anonymously as a woodblock print. The process involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surfaces, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Here, the materiality of the wood dictates the sharp lines and flat planes of color, especially visible in the actor’s robe. The layered folds of the robe are depicted using precise cuts, revealing the inherent grain and texture of the wood. This printmaking process, while capable of mass production, still relies on skilled craftsmanship and a deep understanding of materials. The choice of subject is also important here. By immortalizing the actor in a memorial portrait, the print elevates a figure from popular culture to the realm of high art. In doing so, it blurs the boundaries between entertainment, commemoration, and artistic expression. Woodblock printing played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge, fashion, and artistic ideas throughout society.