The Fourth Imai Hanshiro in the Role O Hatsu in "Sakaicho Soga Nendaiki" 1771

This woodblock print by Torii Kiyomitsu depicts the actor Imai Hanshiro IV in the role of O Hatsu. Made during the Edo period in Japan, it reflects the vibrant theatre culture and the rising status of actors in urban society. Prints like these, called *yakusha-e*, were a popular form of advertising. They promoted actors and plays and were closely tied to the commercial success of the Kabuki theatre. Note how the elegant lines and subtle colors convey not just the likeness of the actor but also the essence of the character. The publisher's mark and the artist's signature also remind us of the complex economic network that supported the production of these prints. Understanding this image involves looking at playbills, theatre records, and biographical accounts of actors. This helps us to appreciate the social and economic forces that shaped the art of the Edo period. This print reflects the social dynamics of its time, capturing a moment in the evolving relationship between art, commerce, and public life.