Acteurs Segawa Kikunojo III en Bando Mitsugoro II 1796 - 1797

This woodblock print was made by Utagawa Toyokuni I, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It depicts two Kabuki actors, Segawa Kikunojo III and Bando Mitsugoro II, celebrated performers in the vibrant world of Japanese theater. Kabuki emerged during the Edo period as a popular, and sometimes controversial, form of entertainment. These actors were essentially celebrities and their images were widely circulated in prints like this one. The aesthetic qualities of this art form are striking. The stylized poses, the elaborate costumes, the subtle gradation of colour in the woodblock printing – all reflect the refined tastes of the urban audience. But the print also gives us a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. Kabuki was often seen as a subversive art form, challenging the strict social norms of the era. The actors themselves, while popular, occupied a marginal status in society. Here, the historian can look at playbills, theatre records, and even gossip sheets to get a clearer understanding of the image. This artwork offers a glimpse into a complex and fascinating world.