Collection of Pictures of the Actors in the Four Theatres (Shiza yakusha ezukushi), vol 2

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period theater with *Collection of Pictures of the Actors in the Four Theatres (Shiza yakusha ezuk)*, volume 2, by Furuyama Moroshige. Thisblock-printed book, held in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts Asia collection, captures the star performers of 18th-century Japan's kabuki scene across the city's four major theaters. Moroshige, a ukiyo-e artist, specialized in yakusha-e—detailed portraits of actors in iconic roles—bringing the drama of the stage to everyday viewers. In the bustling entertainment district of Edo (modern Tokyo), kabuki was a cultural phenomenon, blending elaborate costumes, dynamic poses, and star power. These prints served as fan souvenirs and playbills, allowing commoners to "collect" their favorites much like trading cards today. Moroshige's work reflects the ukiyo-e tradition of celebrating the "floating world" of fleeting pleasures, where actors were celebrities immortalized in bold lines and vivid colors. Crafted via woodblock printing—a revolutionary technique involving carved blocks inked and pressed onto paper—this compact book (27 × 17.5 cm) made high art accessible and affordable. Its pages burst with expressive faces and theatrical flair, offering a window into Japan's golden age of performance culture.