The Fourth Iwai Hanshiro as a Woman Standing under a Torii 1781 - 1801

This ukiyo-e print by Katsukawa Shun'ei, created between 1781 and 1801, depicts the fourth Iwai Hanshiro, a famous kabuki actor, dressed as a woman. The print showcases the actor standing under a torii gate, a traditional Japanese gateway marking the entrance to a Shinto shrine, symbolizing the actor's transition between the world of the stage and reality. The intricate details of the actor's kimono, the delicate cherry blossoms in the background, and the expressive features of Hanshiro's face contribute to the overall captivating and nuanced portrayal of the kabuki actor.