Poem by Sanjōin Onna Kurōdo Sakon- (Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII as) Tokijirō Possibly 1852 - 1859

Editor: So, this is a woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, dating roughly between 1852 and 1859. It's called "Poem by Sanjōin Onna Kurōdo Sakon- (Actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII as) Tokijirō." The figure is arresting, and there is such attention to detail in his garment. What elements stand out to you? Curator: The immediate interest lies in the intricate geometry manifested in the actor’s robe, juxtaposed against the softened atmospheric perspective of the wintery backdrop. Note the lines of the kimono – how the artist uses repeated patterns to create visual interest and complexity. Are these purely decorative or is there symbolism? Editor: That's a good question! I didn't immediately think of the symbolism, more just that it's a cool effect. Curator: Exactly. Notice, too, the tonal variations in the blue ink and the careful gradations employed to simulate the snowfall. How do these techniques contribute to the overall sense of depth and space? Kunisada is consciously manipulating the picture plane. The interplay between these formal elements—line, color, texture, and composition—demands careful consideration, doesn’t it? Editor: It does. I was initially drawn to the narrative aspect - a figure in a snow scene! But, thinking about it, the patterned kimono flattens the figure against the ground, so the overall depth you see is only in the top half. Curator: Precisely. And how does the tension between flatness and depth influence our understanding of the subject matter? Are we meant to perceive a figure isolated from or integrated into their environment? Editor: That makes me look at it very differently. It's both, I think. I guess, I’ve learned not to rush into reading it based on the subject and narrative alone. Curator: And that's a very insightful reading. Considering formal construction allows a much fuller understanding.