Shobe Collection

The Actor Bando Hikosaburo 1st (?), ca. 1725. Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
The Actor Bando Hikosaburo 1st (?), ca. 1725

Dekishima Hanya Seated on a Cherry Tree, ca. 1700-05. Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
Dekishima Hanya Seated on a Cherry Tree, ca. 1700-05

Actor as Woman with Hobby-horse in Unidentified Role. Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
Actor as Woman with Hobby-horse in Unidentified Role

An Actor Portrait (Wears a Danjuro Mon). Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
An Actor Portrait (Wears a Danjuro Mon). [Ichikawa Danjuro II in the Role of Soga Goro from the Play " Yanone".]

The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon VIII as a Samurai in Green and Yellow Robes, ca. 1742

Scene from a Drama, ca. 1749. Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
Scene from a Drama, ca. 1749

Scene from a Drama, ca. 1745. Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
Scene from a Drama, ca. 1745

Print, 1703. Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
Print, 1703

The Actor Ikushima Daikichi as an Oiran on Parade in the Streets of the Yoshiwara, ca. 1701-06

Ichikawa Monnosuke as a Sarumawashi or Monkey Showman, ca. 1720-25

Scene from a Drama: Ichimura Uzaemon as a Samurai, ca. 1745. Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
Scene from a Drama: Ichimura Uzaemon as a Samurai, ca. 1745

The Actor Sanagawa Ichimatsu 1st as a Wakashu (Fashionable Youth) in the Drama " Momo-Chidori Shiraume", ca. 1750

Scene from a Drama, probably "Musume Dojoji", ca. 1744
Scene from a Drama, probably " Musume Dojoji", ca. 1744

Ogino Isaburo as Asamajiro; Sanogawa Ichimatsu as Fujitaro, 1748

Actor Sawamura Kodenji as a Woman at the Time of the Tanabata Festival, 1698

Three figures, 1693, (1924). Creator: Torii Kiyonobu I
Three figures, 1693, (1924). From the " Kokon Shi-Shibai Hyakunin Isshu" illustrated by Torii Kiyonobu, [1693]. Published in " Block Printing & Book Illustration in Japan"

The Actor, Ichikawa Danjuro I, 1660-1704 as a Woman in Unidentified Role

The Actor Ikushima Daikichi as a Woman Standing under an Ume Tree, ca. 1705

Two Japanese Geisha girls playing crokinole
Two Japanese Geisha girl playing a game of crokinole (a cirular variant of shove ha penny). Date: circa 1917

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"Exploring the World of Shobe: A Glimpse into Traditional Japanese Theater" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of shobe, a form of traditional Japanese theater that has enchanted audiences for centuries. These stunning artworks provide a window into this rich cultural heritage. In "The Actor Bando Hikosaburo 1st, " created by Torii Kiyonobu I around 1725, we witness the mesmerizing portrayal of a talented actor. His expressive face and graceful movements transport us to another era, where storytelling through performance was an art form revered by all. "Dekishima Hanya Seated on a Cherry Tree" captures our attention with its vibrant colors and intricate details. This masterpiece from ca. 1700-05 showcases Torii Kiyonobu I's skillful brushwork as he depicts an enigmatic character perched atop a cherry tree, evoking both mystery and beauty. Another intriguing piece is "Actor as Woman with Hobby-horse in Unidentified Role. " Here, Torii Kiyonobu I challenges gender norms by presenting an actor embodying femininity while holding onto a hobby-horse—an unexpected juxtaposition that sparks curiosity about their role within the story being portrayed. "The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon VIII as a Samurai in Green and Yellow Robes" transports us to feudal Japan with its striking depiction of power and nobility. Created around 1742, this artwork captivates us with its vivid colors and meticulous attention to detail, showcasing Torii Kiyonobu I's mastery at capturing the essence of his subjects. Delving deeper into dramatic scenes from various plays, we encounter moments frozen in time. In "Scene from a Drama, " ca. 1749, we witness intense emotions conveyed through facial expressions and dynamic poses—a testament to Torii Kiyonobu I's ability to bring characters to life.