The Second Segawa Kikunojo Commonly Known by His Literary Name, Roko 1752 - 1772

This print of the actor Segawa Kikunojo, was made by Torii Kiyomitsu using woodblock printing, a technique known as "ukiyo-e". The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred onto a block of wood, usually cherry. Specialist woodworkers carve the block, and printers then apply ink to the surface, pressing paper onto the block to create the image. Each color requires a separate block, demanding meticulous alignment. Ukiyo-e prints were relatively inexpensive and produced on an industrial scale, meeting the demand of a public audience. Consider how the flat planes of color and bold outlines emphasize the artificiality of the actor's persona, embodying cultural ideals of beauty and femininity. The swords held by the actor, are props used to heighten the sense of drama and spectacle, an integral aspect of theatre. The value of ukiyo-e lies not just in the final image, but also in the skilled labor of the many artisans involved in its creation and distribution. These prints democratized art, bringing it into everyday life, and blurring the lines between art, craft, and commerce.