Young man holding umbrella and lantern c. 1769

Torii Kiyomitsu created this woodblock print of a young man holding an umbrella and lantern in the mid-18th century, during the Edo period in Japan. The image captures a figure, likely a young actor, in the style of ukiyo-e prints, which often depicted the transient world of entertainment and pleasure. The umbrella and lantern suggest an evening outing, perhaps on the way to or from a performance. What I find compelling here is the way Kiyomitsu plays with gender. During this time, male actors often played female roles, blurring the lines of gender identity. The delicate features and elegant attire of the figure invite us to consider the fluidity of gender roles within the cultural context of Edo-period theater. There's a quiet beauty in the image, a sense of intimacy amidst the bustling city life. It offers a glimpse into the world of the theater and the complexities of identity in a society undergoing significant cultural transformation.