Untitled

Torii Kiyotada

ca. 1715 · Woodblock print; ink and hand-painted color (tan-e) on paper · Asian Art

In the first half of the eighteenth century the production of prints of Kabuki actors was dominated by artists of the Torii-family school. Kiyotada, a student of Torii Kiyonobu, the school's founder, portrayed the actor Danjūrō II (1688–1758) in a "Shibaraku!" role. Danjūrō II is captured here in an acting pose at the moment he strides vigorously forward on the runway to the stage (hanamichi). The boldly designed costume features the Ichikawa family crest of three nested squares (mimasu).

Artist

Torii Kiyotada

Date

ca. 1715

Medium

Woodblock print; ink and hand-painted color (tan-e) on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund and Rogers Fund, 1949