How Do You Spell TORII KIYOMITSU?

Pronunciation: [tˈɔːɹɪˌa͡ɪ kˌɪjəmˈɪtsuː] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the Japanese artist's name is "Torii Kiyomitsu," which is pronounced as /tɔːriː kiːˈjɔːmɪtsuː/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The name consists of two parts, "Torii" and "Kiyomitsu," with "Torii" being the family name and "Kiyomitsu" being the given name. In Japanese, the name is written as 鳥居 清満, with the kanji characters representing each syllable of the name. Torii Kiyomitsu was a prominent ukiyo-e artist during the Edo period, known for his depictions of kabuki actors and historical figures.

TORII KIYOMITSU Meaning and Definition

1. The term "Torii Kiyomitsu" refers to a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist from the late 18th century. Kiyomitsu was born in 1735 in Edo (now Tokyo) and is widely recognized as one of the most important artists of the Torii school, a well-established ukiyo-e lineage known for its contributions to kabuki theater prints.

   Kiyomitsu’s artistic style predominantly focused on depicting actors and beautiful women in theatrical scenes, reflecting the popularity of kabuki and the courtesans of the time. With a distinct attention to detail and vibrant colors, his works were highly esteemed for their aesthetic appeal and masterful technique. Kiyomitsu's use of delicate lines and meticulous rendering of textile patterns contributed to the elegance and allure of his prints.

   Furthermore, Kiyomitsu played a crucial role in the popularization of the "benizuri-e" technique, which involved employing red pigments in prints. This technique added a unique touch to his works, making them stand out among other contemporary ukiyo-e prints.

   Notably, Kiyomitsu's contributions to the ukiyo-e tradition were not limited to his artistic skills. He also became an influential teacher, having trained numerous pupils who played an integral role in the evolution and continuation of the Torii school.

   Overall, Torii Kiyomitsu remains a significant figure in the history of Japanese art, renowned for his distinct style, technical mastery, and profound influence on the ukiyo-e genre.

Etymology of TORII KIYOMITSU

The word "Torii Kiyomitsu" is a combination of two different terms: "Torii" and "Kiyomitsu".

1. Torii: The term "torii" (鳥居) refers to a traditional Japanese gate commonly found at the entrance of Shinto shrines. The torii gate marks the transition from the secular world to the sacred space of the shrine. It is characterized by two vertical posts with two horizontal crossbars on top. The etymology of "torii" is believed to come from the combination of the words "tori" (鳥), meaning bird, and "i" (居), meaning dwelling, denoting a place where spirits or deities reside.

2.