The actor Morita Kan'ya VIII as the Palanquin-bearer Uguisu no Jirosaku 1794

This woodblock print, created in 1794 by the Japanese artist Tōshūsai Sharaku, depicts the actor Morita Kan'ya VIII portraying the character Uguisu no Jirosaku. Sharaku was known for his dramatic and expressive portrayals of kabuki actors, and this print is a prime example. The actor’s exaggerated features, including his wide eyes and elongated chin, convey the character’s emotional state, while the intricate details of his costume and the subtle gradations of color contribute to the print’s captivating realism. This iconic image of kabuki theatre is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.