The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I as Kumenosuke in the play "Nanohana Akebono Soga," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the second month, 1741 1741

Editor: This striking woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu, created in 1741, depicts the actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I as Kumenosuke. There's something whimsical about the figure riding a bull while playing the flute. It feels quite performative, staged almost. What can you tell me about the historical context of this piece? Curator: This print offers a fascinating glimpse into the Edo period's vibrant theatrical scene and its public appeal. Ukiyo-e prints like these weren't simply art objects, but also a form of advertising and popular media. Consider how the print publicizes both the actor and the play, Nanohana Akebono Soga, staged at the Nakamura Theater. It solidifies the actor’s persona and the play’s narrative in the public imagination. Do you see how his stylized portrayal, from the costume to the pose, creates an easily recognizable icon? Editor: Absolutely! It's like a movie poster, but for kabuki theatre. I noticed the artist has inscribed text within the work. How might we understand this element of the design? Curator: The inscription identifies the actor, his role, and the playhouse. Its inclusion suggests this print was intended for avid theatergoers. Consider that ukiyo-e prints were accessible and circulated widely among different social classes, fueling a cult of celebrity around actors and shaping trends. It begs the question: to what extent did these prints influence audience perceptions and even the performance styles of kabuki itself? Editor: So, the art not only reflects culture, but it helps to shape culture as well. That's a powerful thought. I initially just saw a musician riding a bull. Thanks for illuminating this artwork and the socio-cultural function of art during the Edo period. Curator: Exactly! Thinking about this image, it underscores how art isn't created in a vacuum; rather, it's embedded within complex systems of patronage, performance, and public consumption. Examining that context allows us to appreciate it much more deeply.