Actor Yamashita Kinsaku II as Sadato's Wife Iwate 1795

This woodblock print from 1795, titled "Actor Yamashita Kinsaku II as Sadato's Wife Iwate," was created by the renowned Japanese artist Tōshūsai Sharaku. Known for his dynamic and expressive portraits of kabuki actors, Sharaku captures the intense gaze of Yamashita Kinsaku II, who portrays the character of Iwate, Sadato's wife. The artist's signature, "Sharaku," appears in the upper right corner, while the character's name, "Iwate," is written in the upper left corner. This print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is a testament to Sharaku's ability to depict the raw emotion and dramatic presence of kabuki actors.