The Actors Matsumoto Hyozo as a courtesan and Nakagawa Hanzaburo as a young man c. 1700

This ukiyo-e print, created by Torii Kiyonobu I around 1700, depicts the actors Matsumoto Hyozo and Nakagawa Hanzaburo in a scene from a kabuki play. Hyozo is portrayed as a courtesan while Hanzaburo is a young man. This woodblock print showcases the vibrant colors and expressive lines characteristic of Kiyonobu's style, capturing the energy and theatricality of kabuki performances. The intricate details of the actors' costumes, the stylized pine tree, and the open latticework create a dynamic composition. This work exemplifies the popularity of kabuki and ukiyo-e art during the Edo period.