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

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Ichimura Kamezo in the role of Ise no Saburo, Torii Kiyomasu I Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Ichimura Kamezo in the role of Ise no Saburo
Torii Kiyomasu I
ca. 1748

Scene From the Drama "Hatsu-tori Kuruma Genji", Torii Kiyomasu I Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Scene From the Drama "Hatsu-tori Kuruma Genji"
Torii Kiyomasu I
dated 1749

Scene From a Drama, Ichimura Kamezo as Hirano-ya Tokubei, Torii Kiyomasu I Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Scene From a Drama, Ichimura Kamezo as Hirano-ya Tokubei
Torii Kiyomasu I
ca. 1748

Second Ichikawa Danjuro after 1735, Torii Kiyomasu I Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Second Ichikawa Danjuro after 1735
Torii Kiyomasu I
5th month, 1736

Scene from a Drama, Torii Kiyomasu I Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Scene from a Drama
Torii Kiyomasu I
ca. 1750

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