The Actor Tamazawa Saijiro in an unidentified role

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 18th-century Japanese theater *The Actor Tamazawa Saij in an unidentified role*, captivating hand-colored woodblock print Torii Kiyomasu II, created around 1740. As a master of the Torii school—one of the pioneering families in ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world)—iyomasu II specialized in yakusha-e, portraits of Kabuki actors that captured the drama and allure of Edo-period stage life. This hosoban format, a narrow vertical sheet roughly 33.4 × 15.7 cm, was perfect for affordable, displayable souvenirs sold near theaters, bringing the excitement of performances to everyday homes. The print's urushi-e technique, meaning "lacquer picture," adds a luxurious sheen: artisans applied glue mixed with pigments and mica powder for a glossy, jewel-like effect that mimicked lacquerware. Hand-coloring each impression heightened the actor's expressive pose and costume details, making Tamazawa Saijiro leap off the page as a larger-than-life star. Though his role remains unidentified, such prints preserved the fleeting glamour of Kabuki, where male actors like him played all parts, blending artistry with celebrity culture. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this work exemplifies early ukiyo-e's role in democratizing art, bridging theater enthusiasts and collectors while foreshadowing the golden age of printmakers like Hiroshige and Hokusai. A window into Japan's playful, performative spirit!

About the Artist

Torii Kiyomasu II · 1706–1763

At one point this artist was incorrectly identified as Kiyonobu II.