Biography
Ukiyo-e artist. Born in Osaka prefecture. In 1687, moved to Edo (Tokyo). Because his father, Kiyomoto Torii, painted kabuki signboards, Kiyonobu also became a signboard painter of Edo kabuki. He originated a unique style of depiction that expressed the bravery of a wild-warrior, symbolic of kabuki during the Genroku era (1688–1704). His new painting style laid the foundation for the Torii school, which has continued to exist up until today, through its close relationship with the kabuki world. His works gained popularity for depicting a scene in a play or a kabuki actor in rhythmical lines, while also using bold strokes.