{"title":"Torii Kiyoshige","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"the-actor-nakamura-nakazo-as-a-warrior-torii-kiyoshige","title":"The Actor Nakamura Nakazo as a Warrior - Torii Kiyoshige","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige depicting the actor Nakamura Nakazo in a dramatic warrior role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige captures the actor Nakamura Nakazo in a dramatic pose, typical of the yakusha-e genre. The Torii school held a long association with the Kabuki theatre, producing promotional materials that functioned as both advertisements and souvenirs for theatre-goers. The artist employs a bold, graphic approach to define the figure, using strong outlines to convey the intensity of the warrior character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the actor's posture, which suggests a moment of tension or a climactic scene from a play. His costume is adorned with elaborate patterns, including stylised cranes and geometric motifs, which demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship involved in the production of these prints. The muted colour palette, characteristic of early mid-eighteenth-century printing techniques, relies on subtle earth tones and soft ochres to create a sense of balance across the surface of the paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKiyoshige, a member of the influential Torii lineage, followed the established conventions of the school, which prioritised the recognition of the actor's features and the specific energy of his performance. The calligraphy integrated into the upper portion of the print provides context regarding the actor and the role, serving as a standard element in the presentation of these theatrical portraits. The work offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Edo period, where the theatre and the print market operated in close proximity. By focusing on the actor's expressive face and the dynamic arrangement of his robes, the print communicates the theatricality of the subject without the need for complex background detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/a-boat-upon-the-waters-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eA Boat upon the Waters - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/fifty-three-stations-of-the-tokaido-inspired-by-famous-pictures-kanagawa-utagawa-kunisada\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eFifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō: Inspired by Famous Pictures (Kanagawa) - Utagawa Kunisada — Utagawa Kunisada\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Torii Kiyoshige","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761724068175,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761739436367,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761739469135,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761739501903,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761739534671,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761739567439,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761739600207,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761739632975,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761739665743,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761739698511,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761739731279,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761739764047,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Actor-Nakamura-Nakazo-as-a-Warrior_Poster_CompositorV1_1789293580560.jpg?v=1789294457"},{"product_id":"the-warrior-asahina-yoshihide-lifting-a-puppet-of-a-courtesan-on-a-go-board-torii-kiyoshige","title":"The Warrior Asahina Yoshihide Lifting a Puppet of a Courtesan on a Go Board - Torii Kiyoshige","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e hanging scroll depicting the warrior Asahina Yoshihide balancing a go board with a puppet courtesan, rendered in ink and colour on silk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis hanging scroll depicts a scene from the kabuki theatre, a common subject for the Torii school of artists. The composition features the legendary warrior Asahina Yoshihide, known for his immense physical strength, balancing a go board upon one hand. Atop this board stands a puppet representing a courtesan, who holds a pipe in a relaxed posture. The contrast between the muscular, semi-nude warrior and the delicate, stylised figure of the courtesan creates a visual tension typical of early eighteenth-century Japanese theatrical art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTorii Kiyoshige, a member of the Torii family who dominated the production of kabuki-related imagery, employs a clear, linear style here. The figures are set against a plain, neutral background, which draws the eye to the specific details of their attire and the unusual action taking place. The courtesan wears a kimono with a bold pattern, while the warrior is depicted with exaggerated musculature, a hallmark of the heroic archetypes found in the plays of the period. The use of ink and colour on silk provides a soft, aged appearance that retains the clarity of the original brushwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work reflects the intersection of popular entertainment and fine art in Edo-period Japan. By capturing a moment from a performance, the artist preserves the theatricality of the kabuki stage. The vertical orientation of the scroll is well-suited to the arrangement of the figures, creating a sense of height and balance. The work demonstrates the technical precision of the Torii school, which was closely associated with the promotion of actors and theatre troupes through their distinctive visual output. This print offers a glimpse into the cultural life of the era, where mythic warriors and urban fashion icons shared the same artistic space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/jo-and-uba-of-takasago-looking-at-the-rising-sun-totoya-hokkei\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eJo and Uba of Takasago Looking at the Rising Sun - Totoya Hokkei — Totoya Hokkei\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Torii Kiyoshige","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761736225103,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761742483791,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761742516559,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761742549327,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761742582095,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761742614863,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761742647631,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761742680399,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761742713167,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761742745935,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761742778703,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761742811471,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Warrior-Asahina-Yoshihide-Lifting-a-Puppet-of-a-Courtesan-on-a-Go-Board_Poster_CompositorV1_1791802370066.jpg?v=1791803617"},{"product_id":"the-second-sawamura-sojuro-in-the-role-of-ume-no-yoshibei-torii-kiyoshige","title":"The Second Sawamura Sojuro in the Role of Ume no Yoshibei - Torii Kiyoshige","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic eighteenth-century Japanese woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige, depicting the kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro II in a stylised theatrical role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige depicts the kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro II in the role of Ume no Yoshibei. Produced during the mid-eighteenth century, the work belongs to the yakusha-e genre, which focused on portraying popular actors of the Edo period. The Torii school held a long-standing association with the kabuki theatre, often producing promotional prints that functioned as advertisements for specific performances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition follows the conventions of the era, presenting the actor in a full-length standing pose. The figure wears a kimono decorated with a repeating pattern of birds, which provides a visual rhythm across the surface of the garment. The colour palette is restricted to the benizuri-e style, a technique that utilised a limited range of pigments, typically pink and green, applied to a monochrome base. The lines are precise and controlled, reflecting the technical requirements of woodblock carving during this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor's posture and facial expression are characteristic of the exaggerated, stylised acting techniques found in kabuki. The inclusion of calligraphic text surrounding the figure serves to identify the actor and the character, as well as providing context regarding the theatrical production. The paper shows signs of age, with a warm, muted tone that is typical of surviving prints from this era. This piece offers a glimpse into the intersection of popular entertainment and visual culture in eighteenth-century Japan, capturing the aesthetic preferences of the urban merchant class who frequented the theatres of Edo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/jo-and-uba-of-takasago-looking-at-the-rising-sun-totoya-hokkei\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eJo and Uba of Takasago Looking at the Rising Sun - Totoya Hokkei — Totoya Hokkei\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Torii Kiyoshige","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761945252175,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761981428047,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58761981460815,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761981493583,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761981526351,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761981559119,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761981591887,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761981624655,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761981657423,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58761981690191,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58761981722959,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58761981755727,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Second-Sawamura-Sojuro-in-the-Role-of-Ume-no-Yoshibei_Poster_CompositorV1_1789295222951.jpg?v=1789295770"},{"product_id":"the-actors-anegawa-shinshiro-i-and-segawa-kikunojo-i-torii-kiyoshige","title":"The Actors Anegawa Shinshiro I and Segawa Kikunojo I - Torii Kiyoshige","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige featuring kabuki actors Anegawa Shinshiro I and Segawa Kikunojo I in a dramatic stage pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige depicts two kabuki actors, Anegawa Shinshiro I and Segawa Kikunojo I, in a theatrical scene. The work belongs to the early period of ukiyo-e, specifically the yakusha-e genre, which focused on the popular performers of the Edo period. The composition uses the characteristic bold, sweeping lines associated with the Torii school, a lineage that maintained a close relationship with the kabuki theatres of Edo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print is an example of urushi-e, or lacquer print. In this technique, the artist applied black ink to create strong contrasts, sometimes adding glue or metallic powders to simulate the sheen of lacquer. The figures are positioned within an architectural space defined by a screen decorated with floral motifs. Anegawa Shinshiro I is shown in a dynamic, muscular pose, while Segawa Kikunojo I stands behind him, holding a fan. The contrast between the two figures, one representing a more robust character and the other a more refined, feminine role, is a common trope in kabuki iconography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Torii school artists were known for their ability to capture the specific mannerisms and stage presence of actors. This print demonstrates the early development of the style, where the focus remained on the physical form and the dramatic tension of the performance rather than realistic portraiture. The use of negative space and the integration of decorative patterns on the garments and the background screen provide a sense of balance to the composition. This print offers a view into the visual culture of eighteenth-century Japan, where theatre and art were closely linked through the production of promotional materials for the public.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/the-actor-segawa-kikunojo-ii-as-the-courtesan-umegae-suzuki-harunobu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as the Courtesan Umegae - Suzuki Harunobu — Suzuki Harunobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Torii Kiyoshige","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982330827087,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982345277775,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982345310543,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982345343311,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982345376079,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982345408847,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982345441615,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982345474383,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982345507151,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982345539919,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982345572687,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982345605455,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Actors-Anegawa-Shinshiro-I-and-Segawa-Kikunojo-I_Poster_CompositorV1_1790911434555.jpg?v=1790912090"},{"product_id":"the-actor-sanogawa-mangiku-i-torii-kiyoshige","title":"The Actor Sanogawa Mangiku I - Torii Kiyoshige","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige, portraying the kabuki actor Sanogawa Mangiku I in a traditional theatrical pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige depicts the kabuki actor Sanogawa Mangiku I. The Torii school held a dominant position in the production of theatrical imagery during the Edo period, specialising in the portrayal of actors in their various roles. This work belongs to the genre known as yakusha-e, or actor prints, which functioned as promotional material for the theatre and as souvenirs for the public.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor posed beside a stylised pine tree, a common motif in Japanese art that provides a sense of place. The figure wears an elaborate kimono decorated with floral patterns, rendered with the bold, graphic lines characteristic of the Torii style. The colour palette is limited to a few primary tones, applied with the precision typical of early hand-coloured or simple multi-block printing techniques. The actor's posture and expression are stylised, reflecting the conventions of the kabuki stage rather than a realistic portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKiyoshige, like other members of the Torii lineage, utilised a strong, calligraphic line to define the contours of the figure and the folds of the costume. The inclusion of the actor's name in the print ensures its identification, while the cartouche at the bottom provides information regarding the publisher and the artist. This print offers a glimpse into the visual culture of eighteenth-century Japan, where the theatre and the print industry were closely linked. The work is a representative example of the early Ukiyo-e aesthetic, prioritising decorative clarity and the iconic representation of popular cultural figures over naturalistic detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/the-actor-yamanaka-heikuro-i-torii-kiyonobu-i\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Actor Yamanaka Heikuro I - Torii Kiyonobu I — Torii Kiyonobu I\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/bamboo-quay-by-kyobashi-bridge-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eBamboo Quay by Kyōbashi Bridge - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Torii Kiyoshige","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982348489039,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982353568079,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982353600847,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982353633615,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982353666383,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982353699151,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982353731919,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982353764687,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982353797455,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982353830223,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982353862991,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982353895759,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Actor-Sanogawa-Mangiku-I_Poster_CompositorV1_1791800149838.jpg?v=1791802001"},{"product_id":"nakamura-sukegoro-i-holding-a-sword-torii-kiyoshige","title":"Nakamura Sukegoro I holding a sword - Torii Kiyoshige","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige, capturing the dramatic intensity of kabuki actor Nakamura Sukegoro I.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige depicts the kabuki actor Nakamura Sukegoro I in a dramatic pose. The work belongs to the yakusha-e genre, which focuses on portraits of actors from the popular theatre of the Edo period. Kiyoshige, a member of the Torii school, was known for his contributions to the visual identity of the kabuki stage, often creating promotional prints that captured the intensity of a performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor is shown with a stylised, exaggerated expression, a hallmark of the aragoto (rough style) of acting. His posture is dynamic, with one hand gripping the hilt of a sword, suggesting a moment of tension or impending conflict. The composition is flat, typical of early eighteenth-century prints, where the figure occupies the majority of the frame against a neutral background. The artist uses bold, calligraphic lines to define the contours of the actor's body and the folds of his patterned kimono.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour palette is restrained, relying on earthy tones and muted pigments that have aged over time. The print features calligraphic inscriptions, which provide context regarding the actor and the specific performance. These elements were essential for fans of the theatre, serving as both a record of a specific production and a collectible item for enthusiasts. The Torii school maintained a close relationship with the kabuki theatres, and their prints were often used as advertisements. This piece offers a glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of the early Ukiyo-e period, where the focus remained on the theatricality of the subject rather than realistic portraiture. The balance between the graphic quality of the kimono pattern and the expressive face of the actor demonstrates the technical skill of the printmaker in translating the energy of the stage onto paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/the-actor-yamanaka-heikuro-i-torii-kiyonobu-i\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Actor Yamanaka Heikuro I - Torii Kiyonobu I — Torii Kiyonobu I\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/bamboo-quay-by-kyobashi-bridge-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eBamboo Quay by Kyōbashi Bridge - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Torii Kiyoshige","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982354911567,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982360580431,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982360613199,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982360645967,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982360678735,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982360711503,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982360744271,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982360777039,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982360809807,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982360842575,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982360875343,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982360908111,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Nakamura-Sukegoro-I-holding-a-sword_Poster_CompositorV1_1791800112441.jpg?v=1791801984"},{"product_id":"the-actor-sawamura-sojuro-i-as-soga-no-juro-torii-kiyoshige","title":"The Actor Sawamura Sojuro I as Soga no Juro - Torii Kiyoshige","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn early 18th-century Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige, capturing the kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro I in a dramatic theatrical pose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Torii Kiyoshige depicts the kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro I in the role of Soga no Juro. The work belongs to the early period of Ukiyo-e, specifically the Torii school, which maintained a close association with the kabuki theatre of Edo. The composition employs the bold, sweeping lines characteristic of the school, focusing on the dramatic posture and costume of the performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print is an example of urushi-e, or lacquer print, where hand-applied pigments and sometimes glue were used to create a glossy effect, mimicking the appearance of lacquerware. The colour palette is restricted, relying on black ink outlines and yellow tones to define the figures against a sparse background. The actor is shown in a moment of theatrical intensity, with the stylised facial features and exaggerated gestures typical of the era's performance style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTorii Kiyoshige, active during the early 18th century, contributed to the development of actor prints that served as promotional material for theatre houses. These prints functioned as souvenirs for audiences, capturing the likeness and costume of popular performers. The focus remains on the graphic quality of the robes and the expressive nature of the actor's pose. The lack of complex perspective or environmental detail directs the viewer's attention entirely to the figure, a hallmark of early Ukiyo-e portraiture. This print provides insight into the aesthetic conventions of the period, where the emphasis was placed on the clarity of line and the decorative potential of the actor's attire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/the-actor-segawa-kikunojo-ii-as-the-courtesan-umegae-suzuki-harunobu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as the Courtesan Umegae - Suzuki Harunobu — Suzuki Harunobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/nl\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Torii Kiyoshige","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982354944335,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982361760079,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982361792847,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982361825615,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982361858383,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982361891151,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982361923919,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982361956687,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982361989455,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982362022223,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982362054991,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982362087759,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Actor-Sawamura-Sojuro-I-as-Soga-no-Juro_Poster_CompositorV1_1790912494564.jpg?v=1790912731"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/nl\/collections\/torii-kiyoshige.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}