Iwai Hanshirō IV as a Woman with a Sword
1791
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1791
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The painting shows a man dressed as a woman with long hair and a sword. He's wearing a purple headband to cover his shaved forehead. This headband was a common practice for Kabuki actors playing female roles, even after they stopped shaving their heads. The actor's costume and accessories are detailed and intricate. The painting gives us a glimpse into the theater and fashion of the Edo period. You can learn more about similar artworks by visiting the museum where this painting is held, The Cleveland Museum of Art.
