Ichimura Kamezo and Arashi Tomonosuke

Art Historical Context

Behold the dynamic *Ichimura Kamezo andashi Tomonosuke*, captivating woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu I, created around 1748 during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868). This intimate hosoban-format work—measuring just 12⅜ × 5¾ inches—showcases two renowned kabuki actors in character, frozen in expressive poses that evoke the theatrical energy of the time. Kiyomasu I, a of the Torii school specialized in yakusha-e (actor prints), blending artistry with the popular culture of urban Edo (modern Tokyo). Woodblock printing with ink and color on paper was the hallmark of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated fleeting pleasures like theater. The Torii family's bold outlines, vibrant hues, and dramatic compositions made their prints essential souvenirs for kabuki fans, who idolized stars like these all-male performers often playing female roles (onnagata). This piece reflects kabuki's explosive popularity in the 18th century, where actors were celebrities, and prints democratized access to their glamour. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, this gift from the Estate of Samuel Isham invites us to step into Edo's lively playhouses, where art and performance intertwined to mirror society's vibrant pulse.

About the Artist

Torii Kiyomasu I · 1696–1716

Torii Kiyomasu I was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist working in the early eighteenth century, closely associated with the Torii school, one of the most important lineages in the history of Japanese woodblock printmaking. The Torii school was founded by Torii Kiyonobu, and Kiyomasu I is believed to have been either his son or a close pupil — the precise family relationship remains a matter of scholarly d...