The Actors Ichimura Uzaemon VIII as Oguri Hangan and Segawa Kikunojo I as Terute no Mae in the play "Mangetsu Oguri Yakata," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eighth month, 1747
Medium
Color woodblock print; hosoban, benizuri-e
Dimensions
32 × 15.1 cm (12 9/16 × 5 15/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
19260
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of 18th Japanese theater with this striking woodblock print by Torii Kiyonobu, a master of the Torii school renowned for yakusha-e, or actor portraits. Created in 1747, it captures Ichimura Uzaemon VIII the valiant Oguri Hangan Segawa Kikunojo I as the elegant Terute no Mae from the Kabuki play *Mangetsu Oguri Yakata*, performed at Tokyo's Ichimura Theater. The narrow hosoban format (32 × 15.1 cm) was perfect for these intimate depictions, allowing fans to collect and display images of their favorite stars. This benizuri-e, or "rose-colored print," showcases an ear...
About the Artist
Torii Kiyonobu II · 1702–1752
Japanese, ca. 1702–1752