Untitled

Torii Kiyomasu II

ca. 1730–40 · Tan-e (hand-colored print); ink and color on paper · Asian Art

This print portrays Sanjō Kantarō, an actor who specialized in female impersonation. By isolating the actor and the mirror in the undefined space, Kiyomasu created an iconic image.The backward-facing mirror, withholding the actor's reflection, encourages the viewer to imagine what Kantarō sees. The barren surroundings and the simple and direct formal technique, revealed in the strong draftsmanship, serve as a metaphor for the actor's preoccupation with his own image.

Artist

Torii Kiyomasu II

Date

ca. 1730–40

Medium

Tan-e (hand-colored print); ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Henry L. Phillips Collection, Bequest of Henry L. Phillips, 1939