Ichikawa Danjûrô kijkend in een spiegel 1829

Utagawa Toyokuni II created this woodblock print, depicting the actor Ichikawa Danjūrō, sometime before 1835. As a print, its very existence speaks to the modes of production circulating at the time. The image is made using multiple blocks of wood, each carefully carved to apply a different color to the paper. This required a team of artisans, including the artist, carvers, and printers, highlighting the collaborative nature of printmaking. The texture and weight of the paper, combined with the layering of inks, create a tactile experience, inviting closer inspection. The lines are crisp, and the colors are vibrant, a testimony to the skill of the artisans involved. The design is flat and graphic, yet the details in the actor's face and costume are rendered with precision. Understanding how this print was made, and the social context surrounding its production, gives us a fuller appreciation of its artistic significance. The print challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, offering a glimpse into the world of popular entertainment and commercial culture in Japan.