Which ukiyo-e artist was famous for the actor portraits published in 1794 and 1795?

Tōshūsai Sharaku was famous for actor portraits published in 1794 and 1795.

Sharaku produced roughly 140 known designs during an exceptionally brief career, most of them depicting kabuki actors. His portraits often emphasize distinctive facial features, forceful expressions, and the theatrical intensity of specific roles rather than presenting conventionally flattering likenesses. Many were published by Tsutaya Jūsaburō.

Sharaku’s identity and life remain uncertain, and the name may have been an art name used by an individual whose biography is not securely documented. His short career is one reason the prints are especially important to ukiyo-e historians. He should not be confused with Utagawa Toyokuni, whose actor-print career continued for decades and strongly influenced later ukiyo-e production.