Memorial Portrait of the Actor Bandō Mitsugorō III Possibly 1831

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print, “Memorial Portrait of the Actor Bandō Mitsugorō III,” in Japan. This print belongs to a genre that not only immortalizes actors but also reflects the intricate dynamics of celebrity culture in 19th-century Japan. Kabuki theatre was central to Edo-period urban life, and actors like Bandō Mitsugorō III were cultural icons. Woodblock prints, like this one, were instrumental in disseminating images of these celebrities. This print was created as a memorial, with the actor depicted seated in solemn repose. The inscriptions, likely penned by admirers, elevate the actor to almost mythical status. Kunisada’s choice of medium is significant. Woodblock prints were relatively accessible, allowing for mass distribution and a wide engagement with Kabuki culture. To understand the full scope of this print's meaning, we turn to theatre histories, biographical accounts, and studies of Edo-period social life. The meaning of this print lies in its connection to the cultural and institutional contexts in which it was made.