Tori Kiyonobu Collection
Tori Kiyonobu I, a renowned Japanese artist from the Edo period, left an indelible mark on the world of ukiyo-e prints
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Tori Kiyonobu I, a renowned Japanese artist from the Edo period, left an indelible mark on the world of ukiyo-e prints. His works captured the essence of traditional Kabuki theater and brought to life iconic actors and characters. In one of his famous creations, "The Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke I as Oiso no Tora in the play 'Nigiwai Suehiro Soga, '" Kiyonobu skillfully depicted Monnosuke's powerful presence on stage. The actor's intense gaze and dynamic pose transport us into the dramatic world of Kabuki. Another masterpiece by Kiyonobu showcases "The Actor Sawamura Kodenji I as Tsuyu no Mae in the play 'Kanto Koroku. '" This print, created around 1915, demonstrates how Kiyonobu's artistry evolved over time while still staying true to his unique style. The delicate details and vibrant colors bring out the gracefulness of Sawamura's character. Kiyonobu also collaborated with prominent actors such as Ichikawa Danjuro II and Nakamura Takesaburo I. In their joint performance titled "Kamada Matahachi" and "Hisamatsu, " these two talented individuals come alive through Kiyonobu's intricate brushwork. Each line seems to convey their emotions, making it hard not to be captivated by their talent. Not limited to human subjects alone, Tori Kiyonobu ventured into portraying supernatural beings like demons too. In one print featuring Yamanaka Heikuro I as a demon, he masterfully captures both fear and fascination within a single image, and is a testament to his ability to evoke strong emotions through his artwork. Throughout his career, Tori Kiyonobu showcased versatility by depicting various roles played by actors like Otani Hiroji I as Asahina Saburo and Nakamura Denkuro I.