The actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Oshizu, wife of Tanabe Bunzo 1794

This ukiyo-e print by Tōshūsai Sharaku from 1794 depicts the kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojō III portraying the character Oshizu in a play. Known for his expressive portraits of actors, Sharaku’s work is characterized by bold lines, strong contrasts, and a focus on detail. Here, Kikunojō’s face is rendered with a striking realism, capturing his unique features and the intensity of his performance. This piece, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Sharaku’s brief but impactful career, and his contributions to the history of Japanese woodblock printing.