The actors Iwai Hanshiro IV (R) as Ohan of the Shinanoya and Bando Hikosaburo III (L) as Obiya Choemon 1794

This woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku captures the actors Iwai Hanshiro IV and Bando Hikosaburo III in a moment of dramatic tension. Created during the Edo period, this work reflects the cultural significance of kabuki theater as a popular form of entertainment for all social classes. Sharaku, shrouded in mystery, emerged briefly to produce striking portraits of kabuki actors that diverged from conventional representations. Here, the artist presents the actors not as idealized figures, but as individuals with distinct personalities and emotions. Note Hanshiro’s intense gaze and Hikosaburo’s tense posture. The artist amplifies the drama through expressive lines and contrasting patterns. Consider the gender dynamics at play: kabuki was performed solely by men, including the roles of women. This print invites us to reflect on themes of identity and performance, as the actors embody characters that challenge traditional gender roles. What does it mean to see men perform as women? How does this impact our understanding of gender and identity? Sharaku's print immortalizes a fleeting moment on stage, inviting us to contemplate the complex layers of identity, performance, and representation within the world of kabuki theater.