Actor in a Female Role on the Beach

Kiyohiro, Torii (mentioned on object), 1753 - 1757

The earliest colour woodblock prints are called benizuri-e, meaning red printed image. The process typically began with printing the black line block, followed by up to two colour blocks. Besides a block for all the red parts of the print, the second colour block was usually printed in green. Here we see a scene from a stage play. Because only male actors were allowed to act in plays during this period, they also took on the roles of female characters.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-1956-577
  • Dimensionsheight 314 mm x width 142 mm
  • Physical characteristicskleurenhoutsnede; lijnblok in zwart met kleurblokken in roze en groen