Torii Kiyomasu II (Japanese, 1706–1763). Actor Segawa Kikujirō I as Senju-no-mae, ca. 1731–1740. Woodblock print on paper with watercolor and lacquer, 13 3/16 x 6 1/8 in. (33.5 x 15.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 16.532 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 16.532_IMLS_SL2.jpg)
Torii Kiyomasu II (Japanese, 1706–1763). Actor Segawa Kikujirō I as Senju-no-mae, ca. 1731–1740. Woodblock print on paper with watercolor and lacquer, 13 3/16 x 6 1/8 in. (33.5 x 15.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 16.532 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 16.532_bw_IMLS.jpg)
Actor Segawa Kikujirō I as Senju-no-mae
Torii Kiyomasu II
Asian Art
Japanese printers did not develop the technique of using multiple printing blocks for full-color images until the 1770s. This early print combines two enhancement techniques that were available to printmakers before that time: shiny, deep black lacquer (added to the figure’s sash) and watercolor (added in areas throughout). The subject, an actor who specialized in female roles, here plays the part of a celebrated courtesan who became a Buddhist nun after experiencing heartbreak.
MEDIUM
Woodblock print on paper with watercolor and lacquer
DATES
ca. 1731–1740
PERIOD
Edo Period
DIMENSIONS
13 3/16 x 6 1/8 in. (33.5 x 15.5 cm) (show scale)
MARKINGS
Publisher: Iseya Jisuke.
SIGNATURE
Torii Kiyomasu (鳥居清倍)
COLLECTIONS
Asian Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
16.532
CREDIT LINE
Museum Collection Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Urushie: lacquer print with color applied by hand
Condition: badly repaired at corners, stained, rubbed, soiled
Signature: Torii Kiyomasu II
Remarks: Publisher: Iseya
Hosoban.
The print combines several techniques: it is printed in black ink, then printed again to apply black lacquer on the actor's sash (this is now lifting up in places), then color was applied by hand to select areas.
The story of Senju-no-mae was popular in Kabuki and elsewhere. After falling in love with a doomed warrior, the courtesan takes refuge in a Buddhist monastery.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Torii Kiyomasu II (Japanese, 1706–1763). Actor Segawa Kikujirō I as Senju-no-mae, ca. 1731–1740. Woodblock print on paper with watercolor and lacquer, 13 3/16 x 6 1/8 in. (33.5 x 15.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 16.532 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 16.532_IMLS_SL2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 16.532_IMLS_SL2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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