Ichikawa Komazō III as Shinozuka Gorō 1795

Tōshūsai Sharaku’s print shows the actor Ichikawa Komazō III, in character as Shinozuka Gorō, and was made using woodblock printing, a quintessential technique of the Edo period in Japan. The material qualities of woodblock printing lends this image its distinctive flat planes of color, bold outlines, and graphic clarity. It was made through a division of labor between the artist, who designed the image; the block carver, who translated the design into a series of woodblocks; and the printer, who applied ink to the blocks and transferred the image to paper. This collaborative process reflects a highly organized system of production, where each artisan contributed their specialized skills to create affordable artworks for a broad audience, and speaks to the commodification of art within a burgeoning urban culture. The careful registration of colors and the intricate details of the actor's costume speak to the printer's artistry, and the cultural values of the audience consuming the print. Consider how this combination of design, skilled craftsmanship, and commercial imperatives come together in this visually striking work.