The Actor Fujimura Handayu II as Oiso no Tora - Torii Kiyomasu I

An early eighteenth-century woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu I, depicting the kabuki actor Fujimura Handayu II in a classic theatrical role.

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu I depicts the kabuki actor Fujimura Handayu II in the role of Oiso no Tora. Produced during the early eighteenth century, the work belongs to the yakusha-e genre, which focuses on the portrayal of kabuki performers. The Torii school, to which Kiyomasu belonged, held a close association with the kabuki theatres of Edo, often producing promotional materials for the stage.

The composition employs the characteristic 'tan-e' style, a hand-coloured woodblock print technique where orange-red pigment (tan) is applied to the monochrome ink lines. The actor is shown in a dynamic pose, holding a hat aloft. The figure is dressed in a kimono featuring a bold, chequered pattern, which contrasts with the circular motifs containing floral designs. The lines are thick and expressive, a hallmark of the Torii style, which sought to capture the energy and physical presence of the actor on stage. The facial features are rendered with a degree of stylisation typical of the period, prioritising the recognition of the actor's persona over photographic accuracy.

As an early example of Ukiyo-e, this print provides insight into the visual culture of the Genroku era. The focus on the theatrical world reflects the popularity of kabuki among the urban population of Edo. The print serves as a record of a specific performance, capturing the costume and posture associated with the character of Oiso no Tora, a figure from the Soga Monogatari legend frequently adapted for the stage. The use of negative space and the balanced arrangement of patterns demonstrate the aesthetic priorities of the Torii school, which emphasised clarity and graphic impact.