Children Play-acting a Daimyo Procession

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan (1615–1868), Torii Kiyom, a leading figure in the Torii school ukiyo-e printmakers, captured everyday whimsy with masterful skill. This woodblock print from around 1763, *Children Play-acting a Daim Procession*, depicts young boys joyfully mimicking the grand processions of feudal lords (daimyo), complete with elaborate costumes and props. These parades were spectacles of power and hierarchy under the Tokugawaogunate, symbolizing social order in a time of relative peace and booming urban culture. Kiyomitsu's work highlights the playful intersection of childhood innocence and kabuki theater influences—evident in the tags noting boys, women, and actors. Children dressing as samurai retainers or palanquin bearers reflect how theater permeated daily life, inspiring mimicry among the masses. The print's dynamic composition and bold lines showcase the Torii style's roots in yakusha-e (actor portraits), blending humor with social commentary on class and performance. Crafted in the collaborative woodblock tradition—using ink and color on paper—this 12⅛ × 16½-inch piece exemplifies ukiyo-e's accessibility, making high-society pomp relatable to commoners. A gem from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, it invites us to smile at the timeless joy of make-believe.

About the Artist

Torii Kiyomitsu · 1735–1785

Torii Kiyomitsu (1735–1785) was a leading master of the Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition and a key figure in the third generation of the celebrated Torii school. Born into an artistic dynasty founded by his ancestor Torii Kiyonobu, Kiyomitsu trained within the family workshop and inherited its deep connections to the Kabuki theater world, for which the Torii school had long designed prom...