The Actor Kakimura Kichisaburo as a Dancing Girl 1695 - 1715

This woodblock print, made by Torii Kiyonobu I, captures the actor Kakimura Kichisaburo in the guise of a dancing girl. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the floating world of Edo-period Japan. The print’s visual codes signal its cultural context. The actor, known for his male roles, is here performing femininity, a common trope in Kabuki theatre. The delicate lines, the floral kimono, and the poised gesture create an image that both celebrates and perhaps gently satirizes gender roles of the time. The Torii school, to which Kiyonobu belonged, was closely linked to the Kabuki theatre, producing prints that served as publicity and fan art. These prints helped to shape the image of actors, solidifying their fame. Understanding this artwork means delving into the history of Kabuki and the social function of actors in Japanese society. Further research into the Torii school and the cultural significance of theatre in the Edo period would help to shed more light on the print’s meaning.