The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I as Kumenosuke and Takinaka Hidematsu I as Oume, from "Sharing an Umbrella: A Triptych (Aigasa sanpukutsui)"
c. 1745
Medium
Color woodblock print; center sheet of hosoban triptych, benizuri-e
Dimensions
29.3 × 15 cm (11 1/2 × 5 7/8 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
22844
Art Historical Context
This captivating woodblock print by Tor Kiyonobu II captures two celebrated kabuki actors in character: Sanogawaimatsu I as Kumuke and Takinaka Hidematsu I as Oume. Created around 1745 as the center sheet of the triptych “Sharing an Umbrella,” the work portrays a tender moment likely drawn from a popular Edo-period play. The intimate scene reflects the era’s fascination with theatrical romance and the star power of kabuki performers, whose likenesses were eagerly collected by theatergoers. Torii Kiyonobu II belonged to the influential Torii school, renowned for its elegant depictions of actor...
About the Artist
Torii Kiyonobu II · 1702–1752
Japanese, ca. 1702–1752