Imaginary portrait, Shuihuzhuan of Stage: Tōryūdai (Mitate Suikoden Tōrōdai) - Actor Nakamura Shikan plays Suekichi 1875

Editor: This is Toyohara Kunichika's "Imaginary Portrait, Shuihuzhuan of Stage: Tōryūdai (Mitate Suikoden Tōrōdai) - Actor Nakamura Shikan plays Suekichi" from 1875, a woodblock print. The theatrical figure and bold tattoo really stand out. What draws your attention most in this print? Curator: Immediately, it’s the visual language linking performance, identity, and folklore. Notice how the actor *becomes* Suekichi, signified not just by costume but also by that incredibly rendered tattoo – a *shishi*, or lion-dog. Editor: A lion-dog... how does that relate to the character? Curator: In Japanese iconography, the shishi is a guardian figure, often seen at entrances to sacred spaces. Here, the shishi isn’t merely *on* the actor; it seems to emanate *from* him, embodying the character’s protective, possibly even fierce, nature. Look at the piercing eyes. How does it strike you? Editor: It does have this protective energy; the way it's intertwined almost makes them a singular being. The figure's blank stare contrasts with the lion-dog’s intense gaze, which I find really intriguing. Curator: Exactly. This contrast highlights the performative aspect of identity. Suekichi isn't just a role, but a mantle adopted, a spirit embodied. Also consider the *ukiyo-e* tradition – these prints weren’t simply art objects; they were a form of publicity, solidifying the actor’s persona in the public imagination. Editor: So, the symbolism adds layers beyond just a portrait... Curator: Precisely. It's about constructing a narrative, embedding cultural meaning into a single image, turning actor, character, and folklore into a powerful, unified symbol. Editor: That's fascinating. I had considered the tattoo as a costume detail but now understand its cultural weight. Curator: Seeing how images embody shared beliefs gives a powerful connection between the artwork and our human experience.