The Actor, Ichikawa Danjuro I, 1660–1704 as a Woman in Unidentified Role 1664 - 1729

Torii Kiyonobu I rendered in ink and color on paper this image of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro I, around the turn of the 18th century. Here, the Kabuki actor is illustrated in a dual role. He presents himself as both male and female: clutching a pair of swords, while his androgynous features are presented in the delicate pose of a woman. This conflation of gender can be seen as an expression of dynamism, where gender identity becomes fluid. Consider the swords held by the actor—potent symbols of samurai culture—juxtaposed with his feminine guise. Recall the ancient Greek myths of heroes like Achilles, who donned women's clothing to avoid war; in both instances, we see a transcendence of traditional gender roles to embody a deeper, more versatile identity. It is the human soul expressing itself through infinite forms. These images resonate deeply because they tap into our collective unconscious. The motif of gender fluidity is not merely a theatrical device but a recurring theme that reminds us of the cyclical nature of identity.