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 - Terrific Sharaku double portrait of Sanokawa Ichimatsu III as the beauty O-Nayo of Gion Street and Ichikawa Tomiemon in the role of the commoner Kanisaka Toda in the play "Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga." The couple seems to be conspiring, leaning close to each other, the woman fingering the hilt of sword. The fellow has a rather comical expression on his face, his eyebrows drooping and eyes wide, a few loose wisps of hair framing his face. A wonderful image enhanced with a distressed mica background.

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 14 7/8" x 9 7/8" + margins as shown

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