
Collection Online as of March 21, 2023
(Japanese, 1664–1729)
Color woodblock print
Sheet: 29.8 x 15.2 cm (11 3/4 x 6 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.1128
not on view
This rare, hand-colored print incorporates a technique called urushi-e, literally "lacquer picture," in which the artist paints deer glue over areas of black pigment, producing a lustrous effect reminiscent of lacquer. Metal filings were sometimes sprinkled onto the pigment for decorative effect. Kiyonobu’s prints are characteristically hand-colored and outlined in black. Inspired by a family tradition of painters of Kabuki posters, Kiyonobu created prints mainly of actors and scenes from plays.