The Actors Ichikawa Yaozo III as Shiragiku, Ichikawa Danjuro V as the puppeteer Dekurokubei, and Sawamura Sojuro III as Soga no Juro, in the joruri "Shinobukoi Yanagi no Katsura Otoko," performed at the Nakamura Theater in the first month, 1785 1785

This color woodblock print was created in 1785 by Torii Kiyonaga and captures a scene from a Kabuki play. Notice how Kiyonaga arranges the three actors on a flat plane, typical of ukiyo-e prints. The composition is carefully structured, with the actors forming a triangular arrangement. Vertical lines of tall grass and hanging willow branches offer a sense of depth, contrasting with the flattened perspective of the figures. See how each actor is adorned with intricate patterns. The costumes not only define their characters but also become visual elements that animate the composition through dynamic design. The patterns on the costumes create a dialogue between surface and depth. Kiyonaga's masterful use of line and form invites you to decode the visual language of Kabuki.