Actor Ichikawa Ebizö as Takemura Sadanoshin in the play Koi-Nyöbö Somewake Tazuna

This piece is another example of Ukiyo-e prints, a form of woodblock print developed during the 17th century in Japan that portrayed aspects of the entertainment and arts culture within the time period. This particular print is a portrait of Ichikawa Ebizö, a Kabuki actor during the late 18th century. Ukiyo-e portraits of specific actors were often created with the intent of widespread consumption – these “headshots” would often be sold to the general public as souvenirs after a theater performance. Although meant to convey a specific actor, this print is still highly stylized – his exaggerated facial proportions and dramatic expression are intended to leave an impression of heightened emotion on the viewer.