Print 1800 - 1865

This woodblock print of Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Soga no Goro was created by Utagawa Kunisada in 1815-1865, during the Edo period. Kunisada lived in a time when Japan was undergoing significant social and economic changes. He captured the essence of the Kabuki theatre, a popular form of entertainment that often explored themes of love, duty, and revenge. Kabuki theatre offered a space where societal norms could be both reinforced and questioned, reflecting the complex relationship between the individual and collective identity. In this print, Danjuro embodies the character of Soga no Goro, a figure celebrated for his bravery, but also marked by internal conflict. The intensity of the moment is palpable. The raised eyebrow and contorted mouth shows a fierce determination, even as he struggles with his garment. Consider how this image transcends the boundaries of the stage to mirror a wider societal narrative.