Sawamura Sojuro III as Nagoya Sanza 1795

This is a woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, depicting Sawamura Sojuro III as Nagoya Sanza. Sharaku emerged during the Kansei era in Japan, a time marked by economic reform and cultural censorship. Woodblock prints like this one were a vital form of popular culture, reflecting and shaping the identities of those both portrayed and consuming it. Kabuki actors, like Sawamura Sojuro III, were celebrities, and these prints allowed audiences to engage with idealized versions of them. We see Sawamura embodying Nagoya Sanza, a character known for his charm and cunning. The print isn’t just a portrait; it’s a performance of identity, mediated by both the actor and the artist. Consider how the artist captures not just the actor’s likeness, but also his persona, the essence of his role. Here we have not just a rendering of a figure, but an emotional and social relationship at work. It's a fascinating glimpse into the ephemeral nature of celebrity and representation, capturing a moment in time that continues to resonate with us today.