Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Sukeroku c. 1830

Editor: This is “Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Sukeroku,” a woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, created around 1830. The figure, a Kabuki actor, strikes me as quite imposing, almost confrontational. I'm curious, what details stand out to you about this particular ukiyo-e print? Curator: What I find compelling is the explicit presentation of its materiality and the conditions of its production. We’re looking at ink and color, applied through the woodblock printing process – a form of labor itself. Consider how the bold lines of the umbrella and the actor’s robe contrast with the softer floral patterns. These elements highlight the skill and precision demanded of the artisan. How does this visible craft challenge your initial sense of confrontation? Editor: I see your point. Knowing it’s a print, mass-produced maybe, somewhat lessens the intensity and makes me focus more on the artist's work and the culture of prints. Do you think that the choice of depicting a popular actor ties into this idea of production and consumption? Curator: Precisely! The choice of a Kabuki actor speaks volumes about the popular consumption of art and performance during this era. These prints weren't just artistic expressions; they were commodities tied to celebrity culture and the burgeoning merchant class. Who had access to these prints, and what did they represent to them? How do we perceive their worth? Editor: That makes a lot of sense. It’s interesting to consider this artwork not just as a piece of art, but as a product of its time. Curator: Exactly, and recognizing the materials, processes, and its place in society gives us a much deeper understanding. Editor: Thanks, I learned a lot. I'll certainly look at prints differently now.