The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I as Soga no Goro in the play "Hatachiyama Horai Soga," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month, 1759

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively world of 18th-century Japanese kabuki theater with this exquisite woodblock print by Torii Kiyomitsu, a leading figure in the Torii school of ukiyo-e renowned for their dynamic yakusha-e (actor portraits Created in 1759 the print captures kabuki star Sanogawa Ichimatsu in the role of the heroic Soga no Goro from popular play *Hatachiyama Horai Soga*, at Edo's prestigious Ichimura Theater during the lunar month. At just 29.9 × 14 cm in the narrow hosoban format, it served as an affordable souvenir for theatergoers, immortalizing the actor's expressive pose and elaborate costume. This benizuri-e, or "rose-colored picture," represents an exciting transitional phase in woodblock printing. Using a limited palette of pink (beni) pigment alongside blues, greens, and blacks applied through multiple carved blocks, Kiyomitsu achieved vivid depth and movement just before the advent of full-color nishiki-e prints. The technique highlights the actor's dramatic makeup, flowing robes, and intense gaze, evoking the emotional intensity of the Soga brothers' tale of revenge—a staple of kabuki lore. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this print offers a window into Edo-period celebrity culture, where stars like Ichimatsu were idolized much like modern actors. Its compact scale and bold lines underscore the Torii school's mastery in blending artistry with mass appeal, making high drama accessible to all.

About the Artist

Torii Kiyomitsu I · 1735–1785

Japanese, 1735–1785