Torii Kiyomitsu Collection
Torii Kiyomitsu, a renowned Japanese artist from the 18th century, captured the essence of traditional Kabuki theater through his intricate woodblock prints
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Torii Kiyomitsu, a renowned Japanese artist from the 18th century, captured the essence of traditional Kabuki theater through his intricate woodblock prints. His works showcased various actors in iconic roles, bringing characters to life on paper. In one print titled "The Actors Ichimura Kamezo I as Kume no Sennin and Onoe Kikugoro I as Goi-no-suke Takenari, " created in 1754, we see the dynamic portrayal of these two performers. The vibrant colors and detailed expressions convey the intensity of their roles. Another captivating piece by Kiyomitsu is "The Actors Anegawa Daikichi as Sankatsu and Bando Hikosaburo II as Hanshichi in the play" from 1760. This print captures a moment filled with suspense and drama, showcasing the skillful acting abilities of both actors. Kiyomitsu's talent extended beyond capturing male actors; he also depicted female characters with equal finesse. In "The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as Shirabyoshi Renri" performed in 1756, we witness an enchanting portrayal that highlights gracefulness and elegance. Furthermore, his work featuring Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Teraoka Heiemon in "Hoshi Aikotoba Higashiyama n. . " from 1763 showcases not only superb acting but also exquisite costumes that add depth to each character's persona. Kiyomitsu's prints provide a glimpse into historical performances such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune played by Ichikawa Raizo I in "Nihon ga Hana Hogan Biiki" (1761) or Matsukaze portrayed by Segawa Kikunojo II in "Kisoeuta Sakae Komachi" (1762). These prints allow us to appreciate both the artistry of Kabuki theater and Torii Kiyomitsu's skill in capturing its essence.