The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo II as Shinozuka Goro in the play "Funayosooi Mitsugi Taiheiki," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the eleventh month, 1743
Medium
Hand-colored woodblock print; hosoban, urushi-e
Dimensions
31.2 × 14.7 cm (12 1/4 × 5 3/4 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
19338
Art Historical Context
In the vibrant world of 18th-century Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Torii Kiyomasu II crafted this striking woodblock print in 1743, capturing kabuki star Ichikawa Ebizō II in the role of the loyal warrior Shinozuka Gorō from the play *Funayosooiugi Taiheiki*. Performed at the famed Nakamura Theater during the eleventh lunar month, the image freezes a dramatic moment from this historical drama, showcasing the actor's expressive pose and elaborate costume—hallmarks of kabuki's theatrical flair. As a master of the Torii school, Kiyomasu II specialized in *yakusha-e* (actor prints), a cornerstone of uk...
About the Artist
Torii Kiyomasu II · 1706–1763
At one point this artist was incorrectly identified as Kiyonobu II.