Handayu, An Actor in a Female Role 1723 - 1792

This woodblock print, "Handayu, An Actor in a Female Role," was created between 1723 and 1792 by the Japanese artist Ippitsusai Bunchō. The print depicts a kabuki actor, Handayu, dressed as a woman in a traditional Japanese setting. This genre, known as yakusha-e (actor prints), became increasingly popular in Edo-period Japan and provided a glimpse into the theatrical world. Bunchō's print showcases the elegant costumes and poised movements of a female role in the kabuki theater, providing viewers with a window into the artistry of this traditional Japanese performance art.