Bando Hikosaburo as Hanaregoma Chokichi Holding His Black Horse 1746 - 1766

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyomitsu, created between 1746 and 1766, depicts the kabuki actor Bando Hikosaburo in the role of Hanaregoma Chokichi. The print is a ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to 19th centuries, and depicts scenes of everyday life, theater, and popular culture. The actor is portrayed with a bold, stylized facial expression, and his costume, which includes a bright red and green robe, is intricately detailed. The image of the actor with his black horse emphasizes the dynamism and energy of kabuki theater. This work showcases Kiyomitsu’s mastery of woodblock printmaking and his ability to capture the spirit of the kabuki stage.