Segawa Kikunojō II 1758

Curator: Ishikawa Toyonobu's woodblock print, "Segawa Kikunojō II," created around 1758, captures a noted actor of the era. The work belongs to the ukiyo-e tradition, reflecting a moment of popular culture from Edo period Japan. Editor: My first impression is the intricate layering; it’s amazing how the textile patterns jump out despite the relatively muted palette. The details feel painstakingly rendered. Curator: Absolutely. Toyonobu was working within the established conventions of ukiyo-e, catering to a burgeoning urban audience keen to celebrate stars of the kabuki theatre and the pleasure quarters. Prints like this allowed audiences to engage directly with their idols; it was an early form of celebrity endorsement. Editor: It is also interesting to consider the materiality of ukiyo-e prints themselves. Woodblock printing was a commercial enterprise. The collaboration between the artist, block cutter, and printer indicates division of labor in the making process, especially for this image being a portrait. Curator: Indeed, and let's not forget the role of the publisher, essentially the art dealer who financed and distributed these works. The economics of ukiyo-e are central to understanding its rise and popularity. These prints served as social currency in the demimonde of Edo. Editor: Looking closely, one appreciates the artist’s skill at conveying depth using line and color—and also, I’d argue, understanding the division of labour in its process and production! Curator: And think about the societal impact: prints like this fueled the fame of actors like Segawa Kikunojō II, solidifying their position within the cultural imagination. These prints become sites where social values and theatrical narratives intertwined. Editor: It makes you ponder on the contemporary echoes in mass-produced celebrity images, albeit transformed by modern methods. The consumption of imagery—still such a vital social practice. Curator: It has indeed made me think again about the commodification of celebrity and how little the fundamentals of that exchange have shifted over centuries. Editor: I leave reflecting upon those uncredited hands in this beautiful printmaking production who made such detailed patterns to capture an exquisite presence.