Entertainers performing the hobby-horse dance c. 1764

"Entertainers Performing the Hobby-Horse Dance" is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Torii Kiyomitsu, dating back to c. 1764. This ukiyo-e print captures a lively scene of four women, dressed in elaborate kimonos, engaging in a theatrical performance. Two women, holding "hobby horses" with exaggerated heads, perform a dance while the other two, seated, accompany them with a shamisen and a fan. The print's detailed depiction of the dancers' movements, their colorful garments, and the surrounding garden setting showcases Kiyomitsu's mastery of the ukiyo-e style. This vibrant artwork, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into the popular entertainment of Edo-period Japan.