Portretten van de acteurs van drie theaters in Edo 1800 - 1900

This is an Edo-period woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork strikes the eye with its geometric arrangement of stylized motifs against a deep background. The repetition of simple forms creates an intricate pattern, lending the piece a strong sense of order. However, the apparent symmetry is disrupted by the presence of the text block. This asymmetry introduces an element of tension, which invites a closer inspection. The contrast between the static, patterned background and the dynamic, calligraphic text underscores the semiotic function of the print. It challenges the viewer to decipher a dual system of representation. The artist's arrangement reveals not just aesthetic preferences, but also engages with the philosophical discourse of representation and meaning. Kunisada prompts us to recognize the inherent instability of meaning, inviting an ongoing process of interpretation.