The eighteen kabuki plays in this series were chosen and compiled by actor Ichikawa Ebizō V (Ichikawa Danjūrō VII) as the best plays associated with the Danjūrō line of actors. The plays are also recognised as influential examples of the aragoto (rough style) genre of kabuki theatre.

This particular series of prints of Danjūrō VII's famous selection is the most well-known work by Torii Kiyotada (who is also confusingly known as Tadakiyo or Hasegawa Kanpei XIV), and was based on sketches by his father, Torii Kiyosada. Kiyotada was himself an amateur kabuki actor, and probably had a deep personal interest in the series. The original prints were produced around 1895-1896, so, unlike many other series in our collection, this 1927 reproduction was printed only a few decades after the original production.

Take a look through the prints in this series to discover the specialties and dramatic roles that made the Danjūrō line famous...