Fine printing from the respected Tokyo publisher Oedo Mokuhansha - These classic designs were produced by the well known Tokyo publisher Oedo Mokuhansha amidst a resurgence of interest in ukiyo-e. Like many of these traditional businesses, the woodblock print craft was passed down through generations, and the Oedo Mokuhansha company was formed by descendents of an Edo era publisher. These are nice prints of the highest quality standards and an excellent choice if you are looking for fine old woodblock reprints.

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 - Excellent Sharaku portrait of Bando Hikosaburo III as the kindly Sagisaka Sanai in the play "Koi Nyobo Somewake Tazuna." He looks over his shoulder with a frown, his eyebrows slightly, as he carries a lantern in one hand. His hair is pulled back into a thin, neat topknot, and the outer sleeve of his patterned kimono has been pushed down to the waist, revealing a solid color under robe. A beautiful soft color palette which contrasts nicely with the dark distressed mica ground.

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 15" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning. Most prints have a drying hole in one corner. Mica dust in margins. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.