Actor Bandō Hikosaburō V, from the series Portraits as True Likenesses in the Moonlight (Makoto no tsuki hana no sugata-e) c. 20th century

Curator: Yoshiiku's woodblock print, "Actor Bandō Hikosaburō V," part of the "Portraits as True Likenesses in the Moonlight" series, presents a striking composition. Editor: Initially, I'm struck by the sheer weight of that silhouette dominating the picture plane—it feels imposing, almost oppressive. Curator: The stark contrast between the silhouetted figure and the smaller, detailed portrait creates a fascinating tension. What does that juxtaposition suggest to you? Editor: It's like a public mask versus a private face. The large shadow hints at the actor's fame, a known entity, while the smaller image gives us a glimpse of the man behind the character, framed by that ornate green circle. Curator: Precisely. The formal structure, in this visual dichotomy, underscores the actor's dual existence. Editor: I see now how the artist uses the graphic elements to weave together the actor’s perceived image and his internal self. Curator: A powerful symbolic portrait indeed. Editor: It makes you contemplate the weight of identity, both in and out of the spotlight.