Actor Nakamura Jūzō in a Samurai Role c. late 18th century

This woodblock print of the actor Nakamura Jūzō in a samurai role was created by Katsukawa Shunsho, a leading artist of the Edo period. The delicate lines and subtle color palette are characteristic of Shunsho's work, creating a somber and dignified presence. Consider how the artist uses line to define the actor's figure and facial expression. The sharp, angular lines of the samurai's stern face contrast with the softer, flowing lines of his robe. Note the intricate patterns on the kimono, a dense network of organic forms that simultaneously flatten and enrich the visual field. The figure is grounded through their feet in a seemingly undefined landscape. This contrast between the two-dimensional patterns and the suggestion of three-dimensionality reflects a broader artistic and philosophical interest in the nature of representation. The print invites us to contemplate the interplay between surface and depth, signifier and signified, challenging fixed meanings and encouraging ongoing interpretation.