{"product_id":"the-actors-matsumoto-hyozo-and-nakamura-shichisaburo-i-torii-kiyonobu-i","title":"The Actors Matsumoto Hyozo and Nakamura Shichisaburo I - Torii Kiyonobu I","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn early ukiyo-e woodblock print by Torii Kiyonobu I, capturing two kabuki actors in a theatrical scene with hand-applied colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Torii Kiyonobu I depicts two kabuki actors in character. Matsumoto Hyozo is shown in a female role, holding a large umbrella, while Nakamura Shichisaburo I appears as a young boy. The work belongs to the early period of the Torii school, which became synonymous with the portrayal of kabuki performers in Edo-period Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is defined by the bold, calligraphic line work characteristic of Kiyonobu I. His style, often referred to as 'hyotan-ashi' or 'gourd-shaped legs', is visible in the stylised rendering of the figures. The print is hand-coloured, a common practice for early ukiyo-e works before the development of full-colour printing techniques. The muted palette, dominated by earthy tones and subtle washes, draws attention to the expressive gestures and the theatrical costumes of the actors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKiyonobu I was a central figure in the development of the ukiyo-e genre. His focus on the kabuki theatre provided a visual record of popular performances and actors of the time. The figures are presented against a plain background, which emphasises their posture and the dynamic movement of their garments. The umbrella serves as a structural element, framing the upper portion of the print and creating a sense of balance between the two figures. This piece offers a glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, where the focus remained on the linear quality of the drawing and the dramatic presence of the subjects.\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=\"\/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=\"\/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 Kiyonobu I","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982234882383,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982321815887,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58982321848655,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58982321881423,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58982321914191,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58982321946959,"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":58982321979727,"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":58982322012495,"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":58982322045263,"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":58982322078031,"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":58982322110799,"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":58982322143567,"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-Matsumoto-Hyozo-and-Nakamura-Shichisaburo-I_Poster_CompositorV1_1790910149958.jpg?v=1790910823","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/products\/the-actors-matsumoto-hyozo-and-nakamura-shichisaburo-i-torii-kiyonobu-i","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}