The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Kawazu no Saburo in the Play Myoto-giku Izu no Kisewata, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1770

The painting "The Actor Otani Hiroji III as Kawazu no Saburo in the Play Myoto-giku Izu no Kisewata, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1770" by Katsukawa Shunsho is an ukiyo-e woodblock print that captures the kabuki actor Otani Hiroji III in a role from a specific theatrical performance. Katsukawa Shunsho, a prominent figure in the ukiyo-e movement, was known for his detailed and expressive depictions of kabuki actors, contributing significantly to the genre of yakusha-e, or actor prints, during the Edo period.

The artwork by Katsukawa Shunsho depicts the actor Otani Hiroji III in the role of Kawazu no Saburo, characterized by the dynamic pose and expressive facial features typical of ukiyo-e prints, capturing the theatricality of kabuki performance. The color woodblock print, executed in the hosoban format, utilizes a limited yet vivid color palette to emphasize the intricate patterns of the costume and the actor's commanding presence on stage.