Toneelspeler bij een herfstbloemen tentoonstelling 1837 - 1839

Utagawa Sadamasu II created this woodblock print of an actor at a Chrysanthemum exhibition. During the Edo period, art and theatre became entwined as a form of cultural expression, often challenging social norms. Here, we see a Kabuki actor, a figure who occupied a complicated space in Japanese society. While celebrated for their artistic skill, actors were often viewed as outsiders due to the subversive nature of their performances. Kabuki theatre, with its exaggerated movements and stylized makeup, allowed for the exploration of themes that were otherwise repressed. By embodying different characters, actors could question gender roles and social hierarchies. The Chrysanthemum flower, a symbol of longevity and rejuvenation, serves as an ironic backdrop to the actor’s world. The print reflects the emotional intensity of Kabuki, a space where societal tensions are reflected in artistic form. Sadamasu’s print, with its thoughtful composition and nuanced portrayal, invites us to reflect on the relationship between performance, identity, and society.