The actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Otoma 1794

This ukiyo-e print, created in 1794 by the enigmatic artist Tōshūsai Sharaku, depicts the renowned actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as the character Otoma. Sharaku, known for his bold and expressive portraits of kabuki actors, captures the intensity of Hanshiro's performance with dramatic lines and vibrant colors. The actor's exaggerated pose and elaborate costume, including a large hat and a long staff, highlight the theatricality of kabuki and the skill of the performer. This print, now part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, offers a glimpse into the world of Edo-period theater.