Actors Ichikawa Monnosuke II (right), Iwai Hanshirō IV (center), and Onoe Matsusuke I (left) c. 1780s

Editor: This striking hosoban triptych by Katsukawa Shunko depicts three actors. Their expressions, especially the figure bearing the massive fish, feel dramatically exaggerated. What can you tell me about the symbolism here? Curator: Notice how each figure interacts with a prop—a drum, a sword, and yes, a fish. These aren't just any objects; they're symbolic shorthand. The fish, often a carp, is a potent symbol of perseverance and strength in Japanese culture. Could the artist be commenting on the roles these actors embody? Editor: So the fish isn’t just a funny detail, but a symbol of the actor’s strength in performance? I hadn’t considered that. Curator: Exactly! The drum and sword similarly allude to performance types and character archetypes, compressing layers of meaning into a single image. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll definitely look at ukiyo-e prints with a new perspective now. Curator: Indeed, symbols speak volumes, bridging past and present through visual language.