The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as a peddler of toys c. 1782 - 1790

This print, made by Katsukawa Shunzan in the late 1700s, depicts the actor Nakamura Nakazo I as a humble peddler of toys. It's a woodblock print, a technique that was well-established in Japan at the time. Consider how the nature of wood influences this image. The linear quality of the carving is evident in the actor's patterned robe and the surrounding landscape. Woodblock printing was labor-intensive, requiring skilled artisans to carve the blocks and carefully apply the colors. The ukiyo-e tradition was a commercial enterprise, with publishers, artists, block carvers, and printers collaborating to produce images for a wide audience. The image is, therefore, deeply embedded in the economic and social context of its time, reflecting the growing urban culture and the popularity of Kabuki theater. It shows us the importance of process and materiality in understanding the full meaning of this print, and challenges our preconceptions about the relationship between fine art and commercial production.