The Actors Segawa Kikunojo I as Ochiyo and Nakamura Shichisaburo II as Hanbei in the play "Higashiyama Gojitsu Yaoya Hanbei," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the eighth month, 1744 1744

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyonobu II captures the actors Segawa Kikunojo and Nakamura Shichisaburo in a 1744 stage performance. The flowing river, the sheaves of rice, and the tall reeds invoke a rural setting for the drama unfolding between the figures. Note the sheaves, symbols of abundance and harvest. Across cultures, from ancient Egypt with its wheat goddesses to the Roman Ceres, tied bundles of wheat have appeared as emblems of prosperity. This symbol predates recorded history. Consider how this motif resonates even today, re-emerging in modern agricultural logos and celebrations of the fall harvest. The human psyche is drawn to images promising sustenance and plenty. Ultimately, the print is not just a record of a theatrical performance, but an entry point into a rich tapestry of shared human experiences and archetypal symbols. These recur and evolve, echoing through time and culture, forever shaping our collective memory.