Actor Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō 7th as I no Hayata (from a set of three spring kyōka surimono) c. 1820 - 1823

Editor: Here we have Utagawa Kunisada's print of "Actor Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō 7th as I no Hayata," held at the Harvard Art Museums. The theatrical energy jumps right out! What can you tell me about the significance of this imagery? Curator: Consider the context of kabuki theatre in 19th century Japan. These prints, known as surimono, served not just as art, but as publicity and social currency. The actor's specific role, I no Hayata, and the DanjÅ«rō lineage, are crucial pieces of information. Does that prompt any further thoughts? Editor: It makes me wonder about the power dynamics at play - the artist, the actor, and their audience all intertwined through these images. It's more than just a portrait, it's a statement! Curator: Exactly. And the very act of collecting and displaying prints like these helped define social status and taste within the urban centers of Edo-period Japan. Editor: It’s fascinating to see how much social weight these images carried! Curator: Indeed. Art like this reminds us that images are never neutral, they are active participants in shaping culture.