The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I performing the spear dance c. 1756

Torii Kiyohiro created this woodblock print titled "The Actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu I performing the spear dance", now at the Art Institute of Chicago. The composition features a Kabuki actor rendered with flat planes of color and bold outlines. The checkered pattern of the robes contrasts with the floral motifs and geometric crests on the upper garment. The careful distribution of patterns and textures—from the feathered fan to the smooth, pale skin of the face—reveals an interest in surface aesthetics. Kiyohiro uses the print medium to flatten depth, emphasizing the graphic quality of the design. The calligraphic text is integrated into the composition, creating a balance between image and text. This work reflects the Ukiyo-e tradition, which often depicted actors and courtesans. But here the focus is less on individual expression and more on the stylized representation of form. The print serves not just as a record, but as a study in the interplay of line, color, and pattern.