Act I and Act II 1789 - 1794

Katsukawa Shun'ei’s woodblock print, "Act I and Act II," produced in Japan during the Edo period, depicts scenes from a Kabuki play, a popular form of entertainment for all social classes. Kabuki performances often drew on historical events, moral conflicts, and love stories, which became a vital means of expressing and negotiating social values. Shun’ei’s print, with its dramatic poses and elaborate costumes, captures the performative aspect of Kabuki, while also reflecting the period’s complex social hierarchy through the characters' attire and gestures. The arrangement of figures hints at the rigid social roles dictating behavior within the play. To fully understand this print, we must consider the history of Kabuki itself and the broader social context of Edo-period Japan. Scholarly research into theatrical history, costume design, and social etiquette will help us interpret the social commentary embedded within this vibrant artwork.