The Actors Segawa Kikujiro I as Oshichi and Sanjo Kantaro II as Kichisaburo in the play "Shochikubai Kongen Soga," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the third month, 1732 1732

This 1732 woodblock print by Nishimura Shigenobu depicts actors in a scene from the play "Shochikubai Kongen Soga." The print immediately presents a study in contrasts, primarily through its stark color palette of yellow and black against a neutral backdrop. The composition is carefully structured, with the figures arranged to create a dynamic interplay of gazes and gestures. Notice how the verticality of the standing figure is juxtaposed against the sloping posture of the kneeling one, creating a sense of imbalance. The artist utilizes negative space to emphasize the forms of the actors and their elaborate costumes. These costumes are adorned with symbolic motifs which act as signs, pointing to the characters' roles and statuses within the play. This visual language of signs invites us to decode the deeper cultural narratives embedded within the artwork. By focusing on structure, composition, and form, Nishimura's print not only captures a moment in theatrical history but also engages with broader questions of representation and cultural identity.