Actors Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō VII and His Son Ichikawa Ebizō VI (DanjÅ«rō VIII) c. 1830

Editor: This print by Utagawa Kunisada portrays the actors Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō VII and his son. It seems to be a woodblock print, given the lines and the color layering. What strikes me is the theatricality of the scene. What do you make of it? Curator: Considering the production process, the woodblock reveals much about the economic structures supporting the Kabuki theater. Notice the lines, the inks, and the paper itself, materials all sourced, crafted, and consumed. Who were the artisans involved? How did the material quality affect the price and accessibility for different audiences? Editor: So, you're saying the print's value isn't just in the image, but also in the story of its creation and consumption? Curator: Precisely. The materiality reflects the broader social and economic conditions that shaped Kabuki’s popularity and reach. Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective! Thank you.