Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke 2nd as Yukihira c. 1755 - 1765

Editor: Here we have Torii Kiyomitsu’s print, Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke 2nd as Yukihira. It’s undated. The figure's elaborate costume feels so performative, I wonder how this print functioned in its time? Curator: This print is part of the Ukiyo-e tradition, reflecting the burgeoning urban culture of Edo-period Japan. Prints like these weren't just art; they were advertising. Editor: Advertising? For what? Curator: Think of them as celebrity endorsements. Kiyomitsu is depicting a popular actor in character. These prints fueled the cult of personality around Kabuki actors, shaping public perception and driving ticket sales. Notice the actor's confident gaze and the dynamic pose; it's all about projecting an image. Editor: So, it's not just a portrait, but a carefully constructed persona for public consumption. That's fascinating! Curator: Exactly. The politics of imagery were very much at play, constructing and reinforcing the status of both the actor and the Kabuki theater itself.