Ichikawa Danjuro als Kato Kiyomasa 1895

Curator: This print by Toyohara Kunichika, dating to 1895, is entitled "Ichikawa Danjuro als Kato Kiyomasa," and it is a woodblock print from the Ukiyo-e tradition, now residing at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My initial impression is one of restrained intensity. The palette is somewhat muted, emphasizing texture, while the actor's forceful gaze anchors the entire composition. You feel his commanding presence despite the flat surface. Curator: Yes, the commanding gaze is key. The print depicts Ichikawa Danjuro, a famous Kabuki actor, portraying the historical figure Kato Kiyomasa, a powerful and devout samurai known for his stoicism and building prowess. Notice how the background subtly represents fortifications under construction? Editor: Absolutely, and the pattern work on the clothing speaks volumes about status and production techniques during this period. The hexagonal patterns and elaborate detailing demanded skilled artisans, reflecting the social hierarchies embedded in material culture. Look at the wood grain itself – you can almost feel the artist at work. Curator: Precisely! And the choice of Kato Kiyomasa as a subject is also significant. He's become an emblem of strength, loyalty, and strategic thinking—values that resonated strongly within the cultural memory of Japan. The Kabuki play was a vehicle to convey this set of associations and to consolidate these character-based virtues through representation. Editor: I also wonder about the materiality of the woodblock printing itself. How did the labor involved in its making—the carving of the blocks, the application of the ink, and the repeated impressions on paper—shape the reception of the image? Was the intended audience primarily the upper or the working classes? What can it tell us about mass production in the 19th century? Curator: That is crucial context, and thinking about it shifts how we can value the image today. Editor: Exactly. The convergence of materials, technique, subject matter, and performance generates many different ways of reading the same woodblock print. Thank you for illuminating the importance of considering symbols and context for a fuller viewing experience.