Kabuki Actors Nakamura Gentaro and Ikushima Shingoro

ca. 1710

Not on view

Torii artists dominated the production of prints of Kabuki actors. To enliven those done in ink, red and yellow pigments were often directly brushed onto the prints (tan-e) about the time of the Genroku and Shotoku eras (1688–1716). Colors were added within the printed outlines of the costumes. Vibrant, expressive ink lines convey a freedom of spirit and a sense of emotion. In a manner unique to the early ukiyo-e style, Kiyonobu and Kiyomasu animated robes with fluid lines, swirling patterns, and boldly designed motifs to suggest their wearers' vitality.

Artwork Details

Title: Kabuki Actors Nakamura Gentaro and Ikushima Shingoro
Artist: Torii Kiyomasu I (Japanese, active 1696–1716)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: ca. 1710
Culture: Japan
Medium: Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 20 3/4 x 12 5/8 in. (52.7 x 32.1 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: The Francis Lathorp Collection, Purchase, Frederick C. Hewitt Fund, 1911
Object Number: JP654
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Torii Kiyomasu I

In the same medium

From the same time and place

The Actor Otani Hiroji as Honda Harunaga, Torii Kiyomasu I Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — The Actor Otani Hiroji as Honda Harunaga
Torii Kiyomasu I
ca. 1745

Helmet (<i>Zukinnari Kabuto</i>), Iron, lacquer, Japanese — Helmet (*Zukinnari Kabuto*)
Japanese
16th century

Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura), or The Great Wave, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
, Katsushika Hokusai Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura), or The Great Wave, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
Katsushika Hokusai
ca. 1830–32

The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon VIII 1699–1762 as a Woman with Parasol, Torii Kiyomasu I Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon VIII 1699–1762 as a Woman with Parasol
Torii Kiyomasu I

Armor (<i>Gusoku</i>), Saotome Ietada Japanese, Iron, lacquer, silk, gilt copper, Japanese — Armor (*Gusoku*)
Armorer Helmet bowl signed Saotome Ietada
Armorer Breastplate inscribed inside, Myōchin Munesuke
16th and 18th centuries

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