The actor Ichikawa Tomiemon as Inokuma Monbei 1794

Curator: This woodblock print, dating from 1794, is by Tōshūsai Sharaku. It depicts the actor Ichikawa Tomiemon in the role of Inokuma Monbei. You can find it in the collection here at the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: Wow, that’s a very…unflattering portrayal! Is it supposed to be funny? Curator: It's definitely an example of ukiyo-e portraiture, known for its unique style, which can border on caricature. Sharaku, in particular, pushed the boundaries of portraiture by accentuating features and capturing the actor's inner persona rather than just aiming for physical likeness. Editor: The perspective is so striking! His stance is…well, let's just say he doesn’t look ready for battle. There's something almost defiant about it though, isn’t there? Like he's saying, “Yeah, I’m awkward. Deal with it.” Curator: Precisely. That awkwardness, that heightened realism, was quite intentional. The figure reflects Sharaku's willingness to challenge traditional conventions, focusing on the nuances of character as portrayed on the Kabuki stage and how these portrayals might reflect deeper socio-political realities. These actor prints also had very wide distribution, so their reception, and how that shaped the celebrity culture, is really crucial here. Editor: So it's a reflection, not just of a guy in a play, but also a reflection of us as viewers and consumers of art at the time. And you know, the way he's clinging to his robes – there’s something surprisingly vulnerable there too. Curator: That vulnerability might be key. Sharaku only worked for a short period – less than a year, it’s believed. Yet he made such a splash. Part of his fame surely comes from challenging assumptions about beauty, fame, and the construction of identity itself in this time. Editor: It's incredible how much expression Sharaku was able to capture with relatively few lines. It gives me a lot to ponder. Thanks for sharing. Curator: My pleasure. It's always rewarding to look again at a piece, knowing how the context might reveal layers you wouldn't expect.