Torii Ii Kiyomasu Paintings

Torii Kiyomasu II was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, known for his prints and paintings in the Torii school style. The Torii school was famous for its association with the kabuki theater, and Kiyomasu II's works often depicted kabuki actors and scenes. However, there is limited information about his exact birth year, which is a common issue with many artists from the Edo period (1603-1868).

Kiyomasu II took the name of his master, Torii Kiyomasu I, who was one of the founders of the Torii school. This practice of taking on the master's name was common in Japanese artistic traditions and indicated a succession of style and workshop leadership. The Torii school was influential in developing the ukiyo-e genre, which focused on the 'floating world' of pleasure and entertainment, including courtesans, sumo wrestlers, and theater.

Torii Kiyomasu II's works are characterized by their dynamic composition and vivid color application, traits that are emblematic of the Torii style. His prints often featured the bold and exaggerated poses of kabuki actors, reflecting the dramatic and expressive nature of the theater. Kiyomasu II, like other artists of his time, used woodblock printing techniques to create his images, which allowed for the mass production and distribution of his works to a broad audience.

Despite the popularity of his work during his lifetime, many details of Kiyomasu II's life and career remain unknown, including his training and personal life. Nevertheless, his artistic legacy continued through his school, which remained active and influential through successive generations. Kiyomasu II's contributions to the ukiyo-e genre and his depictions of kabuki theater have provided valuable insights into the cultural life of Edo-period Japan and continue to be celebrated by art historians and collectors.

Torii Kiyomasu II passed away in 1763. His works remain an important part of the ukiyo-e tradition and are preserved in various museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Tokyo National Museum.