Actor (Sanjo Kantaro?) in the Role of a Courtesan 1718 - 1738

Okumura Toshinobu created this woodblock print of an actor, possibly Sanjo Kantaro, dressed as a courtesan in the early to mid-18th century. During this period in Japan, the roles of women in Kabuki theatre were performed by men, leading to a fascinating exploration of gender and performance. Here, the actor embodies the persona of a courtesan, navigating the complex intersections of gender, class, and identity in Edo society. Courtesans, while part of the pleasure industry, were also celebrated for their artistic talents and cultural knowledge, occupying a unique position in the social hierarchy. Toshinobu captures a sense of the ambiguous space inhabited by both the actor and the courtesan, each performing a role that challenges conventional norms. Notice the detailed kimono and umbrella, and the delicate features that evoke a certain emotional complexity. The print invites us to consider the fluidity of identity and the performative aspects of gender roles in historical and contemporary contexts.