Ichikawa Danjūrō II as Soga no Gorō: A Rare Kabuki Surimono by Torii Kiyomine (c. 1820)

⛩️ Among the most dramatic subjects in Ukiyo-e woodblock printing, Kabuki actors in their most iconic roles hold a special place. This rare surimono by Torii Kiyomine (1787–1868), created around 1820, captures one such unforgettable moment: Ichikawa Danjūrō II as Soga no Gorō in the play "Yanone."

The Artist: Torii Kiyomine and the Torii School

Torii Kiyomine was the 5th head of the prestigious Torii school — one of Japan's most celebrated lineages of Ukiyo-e artists, renowned for their bold depictions of Kabuki actors and theatrical scenes. He succeeded Kiyonaga, the 4th head of the school, who passed away in 1815.

This print is signed "Godaime Kiyomine hitsu" (五代目清光筆 — "painted by the 5th generation Kiyomine"), affirming its place within the Torii school's long tradition of actor portraiture.

The Subject: Soga no Gorō and the Play "Yanone"

The role of Soga no Gorō — a fierce warrior from the legendary Soga brothers' vendetta — was one of the most celebrated in the Kabuki repertoire during the Edo period (1615–1868). 🎭

In this print, Danjūrō II is depicted in full warrior regalia: elaborate patterned armor, arrows at his back, and gripping his bow with commanding intensity. Two poems (kyōka) are inscribed at the top, adding a layer of literary depth characteristic of surimono — privately commissioned prints of the highest quality.

Surimono: The Pinnacle of Ukiyo-e Craftsmanship

Unlike commercially distributed woodblock prints, surimono were privately commissioned luxury prints, often produced for poetry clubs or special occasions. They are distinguished by:

• Superior paper quality
• Metallic pigments and embossing
• Inclusion of poems alongside the image
• Limited circulation, making them exceptionally rare today

A Living Legacy 🌸

At Atelier UKIYO, we celebrate the enduring beauty of Ukiyo-e — from iconic actor portraits like this one to sweeping landscape masterpieces. Whether you're visiting Japan or discovering Japanese art from afar, our curated collection brings the Edo period's finest imagery into your home.

Take home a piece of Japan — explore our Ukiyo-e prints and artist-led collections. 🪭