The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 18th-century Edo Japan with *The Actor Segawa Kikuno II* by Torii Kiyomitsu I, a masterful color woodblock print from around 1761. This *hashira-e* ( print), with its striking vertical format of 63.2 × 10.8 cm, was designed to hang on narrow architectural pillars in homes or theaters, immersing viewers in the "floating world" of ukiyo-e—the popular art celebrating theater, beauty, and urban life. Kiyomitsu, a leading figure in the Torii school renowned for yakusha-e (actor portraits), captures the famed kabuki performer Segawa Kikunojo II, a celebrated onnagata who specialized in female roles, his expressive pose radiating dramatic poise. The print's *benizuri-e* technique marks a thrilling evolution in woodblock printing: layers of pink (beni) and a single additional color applied over black outlines and subtle grays, creating vivid yet economical polychromy before the full-spectrum nishiki-e era. This method highlights Kiyomitsu's skill in rendering flowing robes, intricate patterns, and theatrical intensity with bold lines and harmonious hues. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this work exemplifies kabuki's cultural dominance, where actors like Kikunojo were superstar celebrities. It offers a window into Japan's theatrical golden age, blending artistry and performance in a format both intimate and iconic.

About the Artist

Torii Kiyomitsu I · 1735–1785

Japanese, 1735–1785