Ichikawa Danjūrō VII (1791–1859) in the Role of Konoshita Tokichi from the Scene "Mountain Gate" in the Play Yakko Yakko Edo Hanayari 1819

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print depicting Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Konoshita Tokichi, likely in the 19th century in Japan. Prints like these, called Ukiyo-e, were central to a booming commercial culture catering to a diverse urban audience in the Edo period. Consider how Kunisada uses visual codes to convey meaning. The actor's elaborate costume, iconic makeup, and dramatic pose all signal his character and role within the play. The umbrella, the hunting falcon, and the swords all convey that the actor is playing a figure of importance. The print is advertising both the play and the actor, boosting their popularity. The Kabuki theatre was extremely popular and these images provided a crucial connection between the stage and the everyday lives of the audience. By looking into playbills, audience reviews, and other social documents, we can better understand the interplay between art, commerce, and society in 19th century Japan.