The Fourth Iwai Hanshiro in three roles of the shosa "Shichi Henge" 1787

Curator: Well, it's quite intriguing how Shunkō managed to portray three distinct roles within a single woodblock print. This piece, titled "The Fourth Iwai Hanshiro in three roles of the shosa 'Shichi Henge'," created around 1787, gives us insight into the celebrity culture surrounding Kabuki actors of that time. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the artist's masterful use of line. Look at how simple, almost minimalist, the strokes are, yet they define the shapes and convey emotion so effectively. Curator: Absolutely. Woodblock prints like this weren't just art; they were also popular media, effectively capturing and distributing images of the leading performers of the day to a broad audience. Shunkō's work participated in this public fascination. Editor: And consider the composition! The three figures, layered, yet each visually distinct. The patterns in the kimonos – so detailed, a vibrant interplay of geometry and floral motifs – it prevents any flattening of the overall picture plane. Curator: Indeed. This print immortalized Iwai Hanshirō, celebrating the actor’s skill in 'Shichi Henge,' where a single performer embodies multiple roles in quick succession. This was entertainment but it also reflected societal fascination with transformation and skill. Editor: The coloring seems very restrained though, wouldn't you say? Predominantly pastel, giving a somewhat dreamlike and subdued quality. And it creates a gentle tonal harmony within the angular composition. Curator: Restrained maybe to our modern eye, but consider the context. These prints were often mass-produced. The colour choices were strategic, balancing artistic intent with practicality. They had to be economical with colour, relying more on precision. Editor: Still, it feels deeply aesthetic. Even the negative space enhances the forms. There is such refinement in how Shunkō created three characters on one plane. Curator: Reflecting upon Shunkō's work, it is exciting to realize this isn’t just a static image, it's a piece of social commentary, offering a snapshot of entertainment culture and societal values from centuries ago. Editor: Yes. And for me, thinking about its enduring visual allure makes me think this: regardless of the cultural context, we’re responding to a masterclass in pictorial structure.