Koryū Castle Act Possibly 1852

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print entitled ‘Koryū Castle Act’ in Japan in the nineteenth century. It depicts two figures on a rooftop under a full moon, each holding a sword and poised for action. This print, like many from the Edo period, offers insights into the cultural values and social hierarchies of the time. The figures' clothing and hairstyles reflect the styles of the samurai class, while the theatrical pose suggests a connection to the popular Kabuki theatre. Consider the role of printmaking in disseminating cultural narratives and reinforcing social norms. How did these images shape public perceptions of the samurai class and their values? Were they celebrating or critiquing them? Further research into the history of Kabuki theatre and the social status of samurai in nineteenth-century Japan would shed more light on the cultural significance of this print.