This hand-carved and hand-printed woodblock reproduction was produced between 1920 and 1940 by the Iwata Print Institute (本岩屋) after an original eighteenth-century design by Torii Kiyomitsu I (鳥居清満, 1735–1785). The print bears the signature 鳥居清満画 ("Drawn by Torii Kiyomitsu"), faithfully reproducing one of the classic actor prints of the Torii school.
The composition depicts a dramatic kabuki actor standing at an archery range, holding an arrow beside a ceremonial target. Rendered with bold outlines, dynamic posture, and expressive theatrical styling, the design reflects the powerful visual language that made the Torii school synonymous with Edo-period kabuki theatre.
The original composition was created during the mid-eighteenth century, when Torii Kiyomitsu succeeded his father as one of the leading artists of the Torii school. Closely associated with Edo's theatres, the Torii artists produced striking actor portraits and promotional prints that captured the excitement and energy of contemporary kabuki performances.
This early twentieth-century edition was produced by the Iwata Print Institute, renowned for creating high-quality handmade reproductions using traditional cherrywood blocks, washi paper, and hand-printing techniques. These reproductions preserved the craftsmanship and appearance of Edo-period ukiyo-e while making classic designs available to a new generation of collectors.
