The Actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Lady Tomoe (Tomoe Gozen) in the Play Onna Musha Kiku no Sen'yoki, Performed at the Morita Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1786 c. 1786

Katsukawa Shunshō’s woodblock print from 1786 captures the actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Lady Tomoe. The composition is dominated by vertical lines of yellow which form a screen behind the main figure, creating a striking contrast with the dark, patterned robes. The actor's costume is a complex interplay of geometric and organic shapes, with circular motifs on the outer robe juxtaposed against floral designs on the inner garment. The artist uses line and color to define the figure, but also to flatten the space, pushing the figure to the foreground. This flattening effect aligns with the artistic conventions of ukiyo-e prints, emphasizing surface design over depth. Here, the interplay between the actor's stylized pose and the intricate patterns of their clothing challenges traditional notions of representation. Instead, it offers a sophisticated commentary on the constructed nature of identity and performance. The print becomes an exploration of signs, where each element contributes to a layered understanding of image and meaning.