Sharaku - Not much is known about the woodblock print artist Toshusai Sharaku, who specialized in kabuki portraits. His career spanned only ten months from 1794 to 1795, with around 150 prints known. Unlike his contemporaries, Sharaku did not idealize his subjects, instead creating realistic portrayals that were not always flattering, and his prints were not a popular success at the time. His best works convey a rare perceptivity, with a psychological insight and a deep understanding of the dramatic nature of the roles and the actors he depicted. Sharaku left behind a body of masterworks of ukiyo-e kabuki portraiture that remained unrecognized until a century after his death.

Comments - Fantastic Sharaku design of Morita Kanya VIII in the role of the palanquin-bearer Uguiso-no Jirosaku from the play "Hana Shobu Omoi-no Kanzashi." In this dance scene, the character seems to have just come to a stop, the momentum of his body thrusting his head forward as he pauses momentarily, clutching his sleeves to his chest. His eyebrows are raised as he looks ahead wide-eyed with an expression of alarm or dismay. He wears a soft green kimono with a tie-dyed pattern of seashells, under a sleeveless robe in muted violet, and a tan cloth cap. A terrific portrait with beautiful subtle color set off by a distressed mica background.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 15 5/8" x 10 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details.