The actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Gorobei 1794

This ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, a mysterious artist who only worked for a brief period in 1794, depicts the Kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV as the character Gorobei. The actor is shown in a close-up, holding a pipe in his hand with a serious expression on his face. The use of bold lines and contrasting colors in the print is typical of Sharaku’s style, which was highly influential in the history of Japanese art. The work, currently held in The Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the expressive power of Japanese woodblock prints, capturing the essence of a character and its performer with incredible detail.