Actor Iwai Tojaku in a Prostitute Role c. 1830s

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, depicts kabuki actor Iwai Tojaku in a female role. The actor is shown dressed in a lavish, multi-colored kimono with intricate patterns, sitting against a backdrop of a Japanese sliding door. The image, known as an ōban, is a vertical format common to woodblock prints. Kunisada is known for his depictions of kabuki actors and for his skill in capturing their performance. This print, created in the 1830s, is a testament to his talent and showcases the artistry of Japanese woodblock printing.