Program of the ten day performance celebrating the succession of Ichimura Uzaemon XIII

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively world of Edo-period kabuki theater with this stunning color woodblock print by Torii Kiyomitsu II, also known as Kiyomine (active 1840s–1850s). Created in 1851, the artwork serves as a program for a ten-day performance celebrating the succession Ichimura Uzaemon, a prominent kabuki actor. Measuring 36.8 × 48.3 cm, it captures the excitement of theatrical tradition, where actors adopted storied stage names passed down through generations, marking prestige and continuity in Japan's performing arts. As a master of the Torii school—renowned for yakusha-e (actor prints)—Kiyomitsu II exemplifies ukiyo-e's "pictures of the floating world," blending bold colors, dynamic poses, and intricate details achieved through the labor-intensive woodblock process. Multiple carved blocks were inked in vibrant hues like reds, blues, and golds, then precisely printed layer by layer, showcasing the technical prowess of late Edo artisans just before Japan's opening to the West. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this print offers a window into kabuki's cultural fervor, where theater was a social spectacle blending drama, music, and visual splendor. It reminds us how ukiyo-e not only entertained but preserved fleeting moments of fame and festivity.