Actor Ichimura Kamezō as Aoto Saemon c. 1758

Torii Kiyomitsu made this woodblock print of the actor Ichimura Kamezō in the role of Aoto Saemon. As a member of the Torii school, Kiyomitsu dedicated himself to prints of actors, connecting his art to the vibrant theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan. Prints like this one played a vital role in shaping the public image of actors, almost like celebrity endorsements today. Here, the actor is depicted as Aoto Saemon, a Robin Hood-like figure known for his strong sense of justice. The swords and determined gaze signal his heroic nature. The flowering bonsai he holds hints at the character's softer side. These prints were more than just portraits; they were carefully constructed images designed to appeal to the tastes of the theater-going public and build the fame of the actor. By studying theater programs, diaries, and other records of the period, we can understand how these images contributed to the social and cultural life of Edo.