Kabuki Actor Segawa Kikunojō III as the Shirabyōshi Hisakata Disguised as Yamato Manzai 1794

This ukiyo-e print, created by Tōshūsai Sharaku in 1794, depicts the famous kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojō III as the character Hisakata, a shirabyōshi (female entertainer) disguised as a Yamato manzai performer. The print features the actor in an elaborate costume, with a distinctive hat, and an exaggerated expression that was typical of Sharaku's style. The detailed depiction of the actor's costume and the dynamic pose, typical of Sharaku’s works, captured the attention of the Edo period audience. Sharaku's short but prolific career, which lasted only ten months, focused on producing captivating portraits of kabuki actors.