The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon VIII as a Samurai in Green and Yellow Robes 1732 - 1752

This woodblock print, depicting the actor Ichimura Uzaemon VIII, was made by Torii Kiyonobu I. It is a product of the *ukiyo-e* tradition, which literally translates to "pictures of the floating world.” This art form flourished during the Edo period, and was closely associated with the rise of a vibrant urban culture. Woodblock printing was a collaborative process. An artist would create the initial design, which was then carved into blocks by skilled artisans. These blocks were then used to print the image, often with multiple colors requiring separate blocks for each. The texture of the paper, the precision of the carving, and the careful registration of colors all contributed to the overall aesthetic effect. Prints like these were not considered "high art" at the time, but rather a form of popular entertainment and commercial product, akin to posters or magazines today. Their accessibility allowed a wider audience to engage with art, reflecting the social and cultural values of the era. Understanding its modes of production helps us to appreciate its significance beyond the purely aesthetic.