Sharaku Tōshūsai, The Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Edobei
This striking woodblock print by Sharaku Tōshūsai depicts the kabuki actor Ōtani Oniji III in the role of Edobei, a villainous servant. Created in 1794 during the Edo period, the portrait is one of Sharaku’s most celebrated works and a masterpiece of ukiyo-e actor prints.

With exaggerated facial expression and dramatically extended hands, Sharaku captures the intensity of kabuki performance and the larger-than-life presence of the actor on stage. The work exemplifies the bold and unconventional style that made Sharaku one of the most enigmatic yet influential figures in Japanese art.