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.

A Special Group - We recently acquired a special group of fine old Sharaku reprints. These are the best Sharaku reprints we have found, expertly printed with crisp line work, and shimmering distressed mica backgrounds that emulate the look of an original with a nice sense of age. If these iconic kabuki designs appeal to you, bid now, before they are gone!

Comments - Intriguing kabuki double portrait featuring Arashi Ryuzo I as Ukiyo Matabei and Otani Hiroji III as Tosa no Matabei, both yakko or footmen. The fellow at right grimaces with a rather puzzled expression as he folds his arms across his chest, his lips tightly pressed together. His enraged companion leans to side the aggressively, his brows deeply furrowed and his mouth open as he shouts. The expressive figures are set off by a distressed mica background. The first time we've seen this subject in reprint.

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 15" x 9 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse. Slight toning, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.