The Actors Ichikawa Danjuro II as Onio Shinzaemon and Ichikawa Masugoro as Soga no Goro in the play "Furiwake-gami Hatsugai Soga," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month, 1735 1735

Torii Kiyonobu II created this woodblock print around 1735, capturing a scene from the play "Furiwake-gami Hatsugai Soga". The actors are depicted in their elaborate costumes, dominated by a palette of yellows and blacks, all sharply delineated by bold outlines. The composition is structured with strong vertical lines, contrasting the angularity of the architectural elements with the fluid lines of the garments. Kiyonobu employs a sophisticated semiotic system, utilizing color and pattern to signify character and status. Notice the geometric patterns on the standing figure's kimono—these aren't just decorative. Instead, they communicate complex meanings to the informed viewer. The print challenges conventional perspectives, flattening the space and emphasizing surface design over realistic depth. In this piece, Kiyonobu masterfully manipulates line and form to construct not just an image, but a complex system of signs. It invites us to decode the cultural values embedded within its aesthetic structure.