Artwork
鳥居清広画 初代目尾上菊五郎|Kabuki Actor Onoe Kikugorō I in The Belle of Asakusa Temple (Keisei Asakusa no Kane)
鳥居清広画 初代目尾上菊五郎|Kabuki Actor Onoe Kikugorō I in The Belle of Asakusa Temple (Keisei Asakusa no Kane) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Torii Kiyohiro. It dates from 12 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print by Torii Kiyohiro depicts Onoe Kikugorō I, a renowned Kabuki actor, in the role from 'The Belle of Asakusa Temple'. Executed in ink and color on paper, the piece is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Onoe Kikugorō I, is portrayed in characteristic Kabuki dramatic flair, clad in vibrant, patterned robes, and accessorized with tall sandals. The setting, defined by a bamboo fence and a tree, contextualizes the scene outdoors.
Technique & Style
Torii Kiyohiro employed cross-hatching, a technique of closely spaced parallel lines, to achieve shading and texture, particularly evident in the actor's robes and the folding screen he holds. This method was a staple in woodblock printing for enhancing visual depth.
History & Provenance
Created in 1712, the print is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlighting its preservation and public accessibility.
Artist & collection
Artist
Torii Kiyohiro lived in Edo (now Tokyo) when the city was growing fast and theater was everywhere.
