Actor Bandō Hikosaburō in the Soga Brothers' Revenge [from a two-panel composition with a similar print of Ichimura Kamezō] c. 1750s

Editor: Here we have Torii Kiyomitsu's "Actor Bandō Hikosaburō in the Soga Brothers' Revenge." I find the red hues and stylized rendering of the figure so striking. What can you tell me about the formal qualities of this print? Curator: Observe how Kiyomitsu employs line and color to flatten the picture plane, emphasizing the actor's pose and costume. The patterning, particularly the butterflies, serves to animate the surface. Do you notice how the calligraphy interacts with the figure? Editor: Yes, the integration of text and image is quite interesting! I hadn't considered how the patterns flattened the space. Curator: Indeed, this flattening contributes to the print's distinctive aesthetic and its departure from Western perspectival conventions. It is a fascinating example of the formal choices made in ukiyo-e prints. Editor: I’ve learned a lot about the techniques and style. Thanks!