Ichikawa Ebizo IV as Takemura Sadanoshin

The print designer known as Sharaku appears to have had a brief but sensational career, suddenly releasing a group of innovative and masterly actor portraits in 1794 and 1795 and then disappearing, leaving no biographical information. His most celebrated prints are half-length depictions of Kabuki actors playing well-known roles, against a backdrop of gray mica. This portrayal captures a dastardly character at a climactic moment in the play: the actor freezes in a dramatic pose and crosses his eyes to intensify his portrayal.