Actor Sakata Hongoro II as a Wrestler in a Play 1760 - 1780

Ippitsusai Bunchō created this woodblock print of the Actor Sakata Hongoro II as a Wrestler. The print’s composition, with its emphasis on line and form, draws us into a world of theatricality. The sheer volume of the actor’s form dominates the composition. Bunchō masterfully uses outlines to define the figure against a minimalist background, creating a striking contrast between the solid form of the actor and the ethereal space around him. The patterning of the robe, with its delicate lines and motifs, introduces a layer of complexity, contrasting with the wrestler’s solid, grounded presence. The actor stands on a grey surface, a formal device which suggests a stage. Bunchō seems to be playing with the tensions between representation and reality, performer and role. This exploration challenges the fixity of identity, mirroring the fluidity of performance itself. The formal elements of the print, like the bold lines and contrasting textures, engage with broader cultural and philosophical themes, prompting us to reconsider the boundaries between art, performance, and identity.