The Actor Yamashita Kinsaku I as a peddler of tooth-blackening dye c. 1727

"The Actor Yamashita Kinsaku I as a peddler of tooth-blackening dye" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Hanekawa Wagen. Created in 1727, this ukiyo-e print portrays the popular actor Yamashita Kinsaku I, a well-known figure in Edo theater, in the guise of a peddler of tooth-blackening dye, a common practice in Japan at the time. The actor stands prominently, adorned in a black and yellow kimono and carrying a box of the dye while also holding a fan. The print’s detailed portrayal of the actor, as well as the inclusion of Japanese characters, provides a glimpse into the everyday lives and cultural practices of Edo-period Japan. This artwork can be viewed at The Art Institute of Chicago.