The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro II as Soga no Juro in the play "Hanabusa Bunshin Soga," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month, 1733 (?)
c. 1733
Medium
Hand-colored woodblock print; hosoban, urushi-e
Dimensions
33 × 16.2 cm (13 × 6 7/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
36197
Art Historical Context
This striking woodblock print captures the celebrated kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro II in the role of Soga no Juro, one of the heroic brothers in the classic revenge tale “Hanabusa Bunshin Soga.” Created around 1733 by Torii Kiyonobu II, a leading figure in the Torii school of ukiyo-e, the work commemorates a performance at Edo’s Ichimura Theater. Actor prints like this one served as vibrant souvenirs for theatergoers, preserving the dynamic poses and costumes of live performances in a medium accessible to a broad audience. Measuring just 33 by 16.2 centimeters, the narrow hosoban format was ...
About the Artist
Torii Kiyonobu II · 1702–1752
Japanese, ca. 1702–1752