The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Benkei in the Play Dai Danna Kanjincho, Performed at the Kawarazaki Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1790 c. 1790

Katsukawa Shun'ei created this woodblock print in Japan in 1790. It depicts the actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Benkei, a popular figure in Kabuki theatre. Kabuki emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon during the Edo period. Often, Kabuki plays were based on well-known historical events or folktales, reinforcing shared cultural values. This image captures the essence of Kabuki's visual spectacle, with exaggerated makeup, stylized poses, and elaborate costumes. The print itself would have been made for the popular consumption of Kabuki fans. The choice of subject matter also speaks volumes. Benkei, a loyal and fierce warrior monk, embodies virtues valued in feudal Japan, like loyalty and bravery. The patronage of the arts by the ruling elite further solidified the role of art in shaping social norms. To fully appreciate this print, one might delve into the history of Kabuki theatre and feudal Japan. By examining play scripts, theatre programs, and audience reviews, we can gain a better understanding of the social values and cultural meanings that this work embodies.