Iwai Hanshirō IV as the wet nurse Shigenoi 1794

"Iwai Hanshirō IV as the wet nurse Shigenoi" is a striking ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, a mysterious artist who only worked for a brief period in 1794. The print depicts the famous kabuki actor Iwai Hanshirō IV as the character Shigenoi, a wet nurse, in elaborate traditional Japanese attire. Sharaku is renowned for his expressive, almost exaggerated portraits of kabuki actors, capturing their personality and presence on stage. The print’s bold lines, dramatic use of light and shadow, and highly detailed depiction of costume and accessories demonstrate Sharaku's exceptional artistic skills.