"Large Head" Portrait (Okubi-e) of the Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV as Akita Jonosuke Yoshikage in a "Shibaraku" Role, from the play Mieiko Nori no Hachi no Ki (Memorial Service for St. Nichiren: A Model of "The Potted Trees"), Performed at the Kawarazaki Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1791 c. 1791

This "okubi-e" (large head) print by Katsukawa Shun'ei depicts the Kabuki actor Iwai Hanshiro IV in the role of Akita Jonosuke Yoshikage from the play "Mieiko Nori no Hachi no Ki" (Memorial Service for St. Nichiren: A Model of "The Potted Trees"). The print, created in 1791, showcases the actor's dramatic facial expression and elaborate costume, typical of the "shibaraku" role. The large, expressive eyes and powerful stance are a hallmark of this genre, designed to captivate the audience and emphasize the actor's skill. This detailed portrayal highlights the artistry of both the printmaker and the performer, capturing the vibrant world of Japanese theatre.