An is a Japanese portrait print or painting in the ukiyo-e genre showing only the head or the head and upper torso. Katsukawa Shunkà  I (1743âÂÂ1812) is generally credited with producing the first à Âkubi-e. He, along with Katsukawa Shunshà Â, designed à Âkubi-e of male kabuki actors. In the early-1790s, Utamaro designed the first à Âkubi-e of beautiful women (bijin-ga à Âkubi-e). The shogunate authorities banned à Âkubi-e in 1800, but the ban was lifted after eight years.