The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo as Kudo Saemon Suketsune (Ichikawa Ebizo no Kudo Saemon Suketsune) Possibly 1795 - 1797

"The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo as Kudo Saemon Suketsune" (Ichikawa Ebizo no Kudo Saemon Suketsune) is a woodblock print from the late 18th century by the renowned Japanese artist Tōshūsai Sharaku. This ukiyo-e print, which depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo in a dramatic pose, is a prime example of Sharaku’s distinctive style, characterized by bold lines, dramatic compositions, and realistic portrayals of facial expressions. The actor is captured in mid-gesture, his exaggerated features and vivid costume emphasizing his role as Kudo Saemon Suketsune, a legendary warrior known for his strength and cunning. Created during a brief but prolific period in Sharaku’s career, this print exemplifies his ability to capture the energy and spectacle of the kabuki theater.