MAN HOLDING BLACK HAT IN LEFT HAND 

Editor: Check out this print, "Man Holding Black Hat in Left Hand" by Katsukawa Shunkō. The colors are subtle, but the guy looks intense. What's your take? Curator: Well, doesn't he have that "I've seen things" stare? Ukiyo-e prints like this often depicted Kabuki actors. The black hat might be a prop hinting at his role. It makes me wonder, what story is he acting out? What's making him scowl? Editor: So, it's like a snapshot from a play? Curator: Exactly! And the artist, Shunkō, specialized in these actor portraits. He was capturing a fleeting moment, transforming stagecraft into art. Isn’t that neat? Editor: That's a cool way to think about it; I never considered the theatrical connection. Curator: Me neither, until now! There is always more to see.