The Actor Yoshizawa Ayame as a Samurai 1703 - 1723

This woodblock print, created by Torii Kiyomasu I between 1703 and 1723, depicts the actor Yoshizawa Ayame as a samurai. Kiyomasu I was a renowned artist known for his portrayal of kabuki actors, a popular form of Japanese theater. The vibrant colors and bold lines of the print highlight the actor's dramatic pose and elaborate costume, capturing the energy and excitement of a kabuki performance. This print is an important example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art depicting the everyday life of the Edo period. The print's dynamic composition and stylized figures are typical of Kiyomasu I's artistic style, reflecting his significant contribution to the development of ukiyo-e.