Sanokawa Ichimatsu I in Grayish Blue and Rose Walking Toward the Left 1756

Torii Kiyomitsu created this woodblock print of Sanokawa Ichimatsu I, likely in the mid-18th century. Kiyomitsu belonged to the Torii School, which dominated the advertising of Kabuki theatre. The image depicts a celebrated onnagata actor, men who impersonated women, in a female role. The androgynous figure of the onnagata disrupts traditional gender norms. They were often the object of public fascination because of their constructed femininity. The print reflects the complicated dynamics of gender, performance, and perception in Japan's Edo period. Kabuki theatre was a space where social roles were explored. As you can see, the artist captures the subtleties of the actor's persona. His gestures and expressions convey both strength and vulnerability. Sanokawa Ichimatsu was a real person who was playing a role; the actor's identity is layered and complex. This challenges our assumptions about authenticity. Kiyomitsu's print is a social commentary on gender, identity, and representation, as well as a record of a renowned performer.