Momiji gari 1794

"Momiji gari" is a woodblock print created in 1794 by Tōshūsai Sharaku, a mysterious artist whose career was short but prolific. This print depicts a scene from a kabuki play, a popular form of Japanese theater, and features a male actor playing a character possessed by a female demon. The dramatic composition and exaggerated features are characteristic of Sharaku's style, known for its powerful and expressive portrayals of actors. Sharaku's prints became highly sought after during his brief career, and continue to be admired for their masterful use of woodblock printing techniques.