The Actor Bando Mitsugoro II in Ceremonial Robes with Kamishimo - Eishōsai Chōki

A refined woodblock print by Eishōsai Chōki featuring the kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro II in formal kamishimo attire.

This woodblock print by Eishōsai Chōki depicts the kabuki actor Bando Mitsugoro II. The subject wears a kamishimo, a formal samurai costume consisting of a kataginu (winged vest) and hakama (trousers). The fabric features a repeating pattern of small birds, which contrasts with the solid colour blocks of the undergarments. The actor is positioned in a formal stance, reflecting the stylised nature of kabuki performance during the Edo period.

Chōki was active during the late eighteenth century and is known for his work in the ukiyo-e tradition. His prints often focus on the theatrical world, capturing actors in specific roles or moments of dramatic tension. The composition here is balanced, with the actor placed centrally against a simplified architectural background. A branch of plum blossoms hangs from the upper edge, providing a seasonal reference common in Japanese art. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted greens, soft reds, and the natural tone of the paper to define the forms.

As a practitioner of the yakusha-e genre, Chōki contributed to the documentation of kabuki culture. These prints functioned as promotional material for theatres and as souvenirs for fans of the actors. The technical execution shows the precision of the woodblock carving process, where each colour required a separate block. The lines are clean and deliberate, defining the facial features and the folds of the heavy fabric. This work provides a view into the aesthetic preferences of the period, where the intersection of fashion, theatre, and nature formed a cohesive visual language. The print remains a representative example of the refined style associated with Chōki, who often experimented with subtle colour harmonies and elegant figure proportions.