The Actor Otani Oniji III in an Unidentified Role in the Play Yukimi-zuki Eiga Hachi no Ki (?), Performed at the Nakamura Theater (?) in the Eleventh Month, 1787 (?) c. 1787

This ukiyo-e print by Katsukawa Shun'ei depicts the celebrated kabuki actor Otani Oniji III in an unidentified role from the play "Yukimi-zuki Eiga Hachi no Ki" performed at the Nakamura Theater in 1787. Shun'ei was known for his ability to capture the distinctive features of famous actors in his woodblock prints, and this print, with its dynamic composition and expressive details, exemplifies his talent. The use of bold colors and strong lines create a sense of energy and drama, while the intricate patterns of the actor's costume and the background suggest the opulence and spectacle of kabuki theater.