Actor ?tani Hiroeman III as Asahara Jir?, 1778, Katsukawa Shunsh?, Japanese, 1726 - 1793, 12 3/16 ¡Ñ 5 9/16 in. (30.9 ¡Ñ 14.2 cm) (image, sheet, hosoban), Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, Japan, 18th century, The family crest prominently displayed on his right sleeve, and his notably large mouth, suggest that the actor depicted here is ?tani Hiroemon III (1726¡V90). Hiroemon III debuted in Edo in the late 1740s and established his reputation playing villains. Here he is shown in the role of the bandit Asahara Jir?. His dramatic blue kumadori indicates the sinister nature of the character he is portraying.