The actor Ichikawa Omezo as the manservant Ippei 1794

This woodblock print, created by Tōshūsai Sharaku in 1794, depicts the actor Ichikawa Omezo portraying the manservant Ippei. Sharaku, a mysterious figure whose own identity remains unknown, was famous for his dramatic portraits of Kabuki actors, capturing their expressions with striking detail and a sense of realism. The print, known as a "yakusha-e" or actor print, showcases Omezo's powerful performance as Ippei. The actor's face is rendered with exaggerated features, including a prominent brow and intense eyes. This captivating portrayal highlights the expressive power of Kabuki theatre and the skill of Sharaku in capturing the essence of an actor’s performance. The print is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.