Actor Nakamura Utaemon IV as Kudō Saemon Suketsune Possibly 1846

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada depicts the actor Nakamura Utaemon IV in the role of Kudō Saemon Suketsune; a character known from the tales of the Soga brothers, a popular subject in Japanese art and theater. Prints like this one, made during the Edo period, were deeply interwoven with the social fabric of Japan. The representation of actors wasn't just about capturing their likeness, but about portraying specific roles and the emotional depth they brought to them. Kunisada elevates this concept by using the ‘okubi-e’ or ‘large head picture’ format. The composition, cropped to focus on the actor’s expression, gives us insight into the emotional intensity of the character. What is particularly compelling here is how Kunisada uses his artistry to negotiate the boundaries between reality and representation, between the actor's identity and the role they embody. The intensity of this portrait is a testament to the cultural significance of theater and the actors who brought these stories to life.