Actor Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō Stepping on the Devil 

Curator: Here we have a striking Kabuki print, "Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō Stepping on the Devil" by Kiyomoto, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Oh, wow! What a bold visual! The red costume just explodes off the page, and there's something delightfully cartoonish about that devil being squashed. Curator: Indeed. Kabuki prints like this one were incredibly popular, offering a snapshot into the vibrant world of Japanese theatre. The actor, Danjūrō, was a superstar, and prints like these shaped his public image. Editor: The way he's holding that sword aloft, it's so dramatic! Almost feels like a playful battle against inner demons rather than a purely evil vanquishing. Curator: That reading certainly resonates. The play itself would have been full of symbolism, tapping into folk beliefs and moral tales familiar to the audience. These prints, sold as souvenirs, reinforced those cultural messages. Editor: You know, even with the historical context, the simple shapes and bold color still feel so fresh and alive. It's like a vibrant comic panel that just refuses to be quiet! Curator: I agree. Its continued appeal speaks volumes about the power of imagery and performance to transcend time. Editor: Absolutely. This print is not just a historical document; it’s a burst of energy that continues to resonate.