The Actor Nakayama Tomisaburo I as Lady Tsukuba, Wife of Yoshioki (Shodai Nakayama Tomisaburo no Yoshioki Midai Tsukuba Gozen) Possibly 1794 - 1796

This woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku captures Nakayama Tomisaburo I in the role of Lady Tsukuba. The use of line is striking, delineating the figure with clarity against a muted backdrop, emphasizing the contours of the kimono and the actor's poised stance. The composition presents a study in contrasts. Soft pinks and whites dominate the color palette, creating a delicate, almost ethereal quality, while the black undergarment adds depth. The subtle gradations in tone across the kimono suggest form and texture within the flat plane of the print. The patterns of clouds and floral motifs adorning the fabric introduce a semiotic layer, evoking traditional Japanese aesthetics while subtly disrupting the conventional representation of gender through the depiction of a male actor in a female role. Sharaku's masterful use of line and color challenges the viewer to consider the intersections of representation, identity, and theatrical performance. The print becomes not merely a portrait but a complex commentary on the fluid boundaries of social roles.