The Actor Iwai Sagenta I c. 1701

Torii Kiyonobu I created this woodblock print, "The Actor Iwai Sagenta I," during the Edo period, a time of economic growth, strict social order, and the flourishing of the arts in Japan. The print captures the likeness of Iwai Sagenta I, an actor celebrated for his onnagata roles, where men embody female characters. Through his art, Kiyonobu challenges traditional gender norms of the time by celebrating performers who blurred gender lines on stage. The print elevates the emotional intensity of the actor’s presence by use of line and color. The choice of subject reflects the cultural context of the era. Kabuki theater provided a space for exploring complex identities and social issues. Kiyonobu's work serves as a window into this world, capturing both the artistry and the social dynamics of his time.