Ichimura Manzō as a Samurai Holding a Hand Drum (Kotsuzumi) - Torii Kiyomasu II

A classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu II, depicting the kabuki actor Ichimura Manzō in a dramatic samurai role.

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu II depicts the kabuki actor Ichimura Manzō in the role of a samurai. The work belongs to the yakusha-e genre, which focuses on portraits of actors from the popular theatre of the Edo period. The artist employs the Torii school style, characterised by bold, sweeping lines and a dynamic sense of movement that captures the dramatic intensity of the stage.

The actor is shown in a stylised pose, holding a kotsuzumi (shoulder drum) above his head. His costume is decorated with floral motifs and a prominent family crest. The composition is balanced by the presence of a large palm tree behind him, which provides a sense of scale and decorative structure. The print is an example of urushi-e, or lacquer print, where hand-applied pigments and sometimes metallic powders were used to create a glossy finish, adding depth to the printed lines.

Torii Kiyomasu II was a member of the Torii family, who maintained a close association with the kabuki theatres of Edo. Their prints often served as promotional material for the actors and their performances. The figure is rendered with the exaggerated features typical of the period, emphasising the actor's expressive face and posture. The use of flat colour fields and strong outlines reflects the technical limitations and aesthetic preferences of early eighteenth-century Japanese printmaking. This print offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Edo period, where the theatre and the print shop were closely linked. The work remains a clear example of the graphic power of the Torii school, which prioritised clarity and theatrical impact over naturalistic representation.