Iwai Hanshirō IV as O-Han of the Shinanoya 1795

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, created in 1795 by the renowned Japanese artist Tōshūsai Sharaku, depicts the kabuki actor Iwai Hanshirō IV portraying the character O-Han in the play “Shinanoya.” Sharaku’s work is characterized by its bold lines and striking use of black and white, which he employs to create a dramatic and expressive portrait of Hanshirō. The print is a testament to Sharaku’s exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects, and it remains a celebrated example of the artistic brilliance of Edo-period Japan.