Actor Ichikawa Ebizō as Takemura Sadanoshin - Tōshūsai Sharaku

A 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicting the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV, known for its bold, expressive caricature style.

This woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku captures the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV in the role of Takemura Sadanoshin. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of portraits depicting actors at the Kawarazaki-za theatre in Edo. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised representations common in contemporary ukiyo-e. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects.

The print displays the actor in a moment of intense focus. The composition is dominated by the subject's profile, with the large nose and sharp, angular jawline rendered through bold, clean lines. The colour palette is restrained, utilising a soft yellow for the kimono, a muted grey for the background, and a subtle green for the garment's trim. These choices draw the viewer's attention to the actor's psychological state rather than the decorative elements of his costume.

Sharaku's career was brief, spanning only ten months between 1794 and 1795. During this period, he produced approximately 140 prints. His work was often met with mixed reactions from the public, as his unflattering portrayals of popular actors broke with the conventions of the time. Today, these prints are recognised for their psychological depth and their departure from the standard aesthetic of the Edo period. The use of mica (kirazuri) in the background, a technique that creates a shimmering effect, adds a layer of sophistication to the print. This specific portrait remains a primary example of Sharaku's ability to capture the essence of a performance through a singular, concentrated image.