The Actors Ichikawa Raizo I as a peddler of tea whisks and Nakamura Matsue I as Yuya Gozen in the play "Daijobu Takadate Jikki," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the eleventh month, 1763 1763

Torii Kiyomitsu created this woodblock print in 1763, depicting actors Ichikawa Raizo I and Nakamura Matsue I in a Kabuki play. During the Edo period in Japan, Kabuki theater became a vibrant expression of urban culture, often challenging the rigid social norms of the time. Here, the actors transcend typical gender representation. Ichikawa Raizo I, though male, portrays a peddler, a role that would have been seen as a lowly class position. Nakamura Matsue I plays Yuya Gozen, a courtesan, a figure of both desire and sorrow. The choice to represent male actors in such roles is fascinating, as it speaks to the fluidity of identity in Kabuki. The delicate lines and subtle colors evoke a sense of longing and beauty, reflecting the emotional depth of Kabuki performances. Consider how this print not only captures a moment in theatrical history, but also mirrors the societal tensions and evolving identities within Edo-period Japan.