A 1743 Kabuki Masterpiece: Torii Kiyonobu II and Two Legends of the Edo Stage

Edo Kabuki, January 1743

This rare woodblock print by Torii Kiyonobu II captures a landmark Kabuki performance from January 1743 (Kanpo 3) — featuring two of the most celebrated actors of the mid-Edo period.

Utagawa Shirogoro as Soga no Juro Sukenari

Utagawa Shirogoro portrays Soga no Juro Sukenari — the elder of the legendary Soga Brothers, heroes of one of Japan's most celebrated revenge tales. This actor would later take the name Sawamura Sojuro II, becoming a cornerstone of Edo Kabuki's golden age.

Nakamura Tomijuro I as Umegae

Nakamura Tomijuro I — the defining onnagata (female role specialist) of his era and the original performer of Kyoganoko Musume Dojoji — appears as Umegae, the courtesan of Oiso and devoted lover of Soga no Juro.

Torii Kiyonobu II: Master of the Kabuki Poster

The Torii school was the preeminent artistic tradition for Kabuki illustration in Edo Japan. Torii Kiyonobu II continued this legacy with bold, dynamic compositions that brought the drama of the stage to life on paper. Prints from this period are exceptionally rare and represent some of the earliest surviving examples of Kabuki woodblock art.

Add This Piece to Your Collection

Available at Atelier UKIYO. A museum-quality piece from one of the most important moments in Edo theatrical history.