Actor Ichikawa Komazō Standing Beside a Shinto Shrine with Chrysanthemums c. 18th century

Editor: This print, by Ippitsusai Bunchō, features the actor Ichikawa Komazō. It’s beautiful. The patterned kimono and surrounding chrysanthemums suggest a ritualistic scene. What can you tell me about the context of its creation? Curator: Consider the materials: woodblock printing allowed for mass production and dissemination. The image highlights the Kabuki actor as a commodity, shaped by the demands of the theatre and its audience. The arrangement of the chrysanthemums and the actor's costume point to a sophisticated system of symbolism, likely tied to specific performances. What does this mass production and symbolism suggest to you? Editor: It suggests a deep connection between art, commerce, and cultural meaning. Curator: Precisely. The print isn't just a portrait but a product, reflecting both artistic skill and the socio-economic forces at play. Editor: I hadn't considered the materiality of the print itself as part of its meaning before. Thanks!