The actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu III as the Gion prostitute Onayo in the play "Hana-ayame Bunroku Soga," performed at the Miyako Theater in the fifth month, 1794 1794

This woodblock print, held at the Art Institute of Chicago, was created around 1794 by Katsukawa Shun'ei. It depicts the actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu III in the role of a Gion prostitute. The print’s visual impact lies in its carefully balanced asymmetry. Note how the actor’s head, adorned with elaborate hair ornaments, is positioned off-center, creating a dynamic tension against the neutral background. The artist's focus on line is evident in the precise rendering of the hair and facial features, which are offset by the soft, muted tones of the kimono. This controlled use of line and color draws our eye to the actor’s face, capturing a sense of theatrical intensity. Shun'ei's deliberate formal choices not only reflect the aesthetic values of his time but also challenge the established notions of beauty and representation.