The Actor Sawamura Sojuro I as Sasaki no Saburo 1731 - 1751

"The Actor Sawamura Sojuro I as Sasaki no Saburo" is a woodblock print created by the artist Torii Kiyomasu I between 1731-1751. The print, part of the *ukiyo-e* tradition, depicts the famous Kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro I in the role of Sasaki no Saburo, a popular character from the *Jidaimono* (historical play) genre. The print captures the dynamism of kabuki performance through the stylized poses and dramatic expressions of the actors. This print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, demonstrates Kiyomasu's masterful use of line and color to depict the vibrant world of Japanese theater.