Actor Sawamura Sōjurō 3rd as Ogishi Kurando from the Play "Hana-Ayame Bunroku Soga" (Miyako-za) Possibly 1794 - 1795

Editor: This woodblock print, "Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō 3rd as Ogishi Kurando," is by Tōshūsai Sharaku. I’m struck by the texture of the paper and how the actor's robe drapes. What do you see in this piece, considering its production? Curator: We see the intersection of theater, printmaking, and commerce. Sharaku's prints were mass-produced commodities, depicting popular actors. The woodblock process itself, a form of labor, created multiples for consumption by a broad audience. How does that inform your understanding? Editor: It's fascinating to consider these as products of a system, rather than just standalone artworks! I guess I never thought of it that way. Curator: Exactly! By understanding the means of production and distribution, we see the social context shaping the art, and the art shaping popular culture.