The Actors Ichimura Kamezo I as Yosaku and Arashi Tominosuke I as Koman c. 1754

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu II captures actors in character. We see bold lines and flat planes of color, typical of the Torii school, immediately drawing our eye. The composition is divided into distinct vertical zones; the actors are set against a stylized backdrop of architectural and natural elements, creating a stage-like space. Consider how Kiyomasu uses line—thick and unwavering—to define form. This linearity flattens the image, reducing depth and emphasizing surface. The actors, identified by their roles, become almost like emblems within the pictorial space. Their garments, decorated with bold patterns and crests, are not just costume but function as signs. They signify status, role, and allegiance within the semiotic system of Kabuki theatre. The print destabilizes conventional perspective; space is rendered symbolically. This approach reflects a broader artistic intent to present a world of representation rather than a mirror of reality. The flatness serves to highlight the artificiality of the stage. Meaning is constructed through the interplay of signs, codes, and cultural references, inviting us to decode the layers of representation embedded within its form.