Segawa Kikunojō III as the Courtesan Katsuragi 1794

Tōshūsai Sharaku created this woodblock print of Segawa Kikunojō III as the Courtesan Katsuragi in Japan around 1794. The print captures the actor Segawa Kikunojō III in character, highlighting the cultural fascination with Kabuki theatre during the Edo period. Kabuki, with its stylized performances and elaborate costumes, was a significant part of the urban entertainment scene. This print reflects the social dynamics of the time, where actors achieved celebrity status and their images circulated widely through prints like this. The portrayal of male actors in female roles, known as "onnagata," added another layer of complexity, challenging gender norms and captivating audiences. The artist, Sharaku, remains an enigmatic figure, his brief career coinciding with a period of social and political change. By examining theatre programs, playbills, and other documents from the period, we can continue to explore the place of such images within the cultural landscape of Edo-period Japan. Ultimately, this print reminds us that art is always embedded in specific cultural and institutional contexts.