Set of Nine Miniature Kabuki Portrait Reprints

by Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Current Status

Set of Nine Miniature Kabuki Portrait Reprints by Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Set of Nine Miniature Kabuki Portrait 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 - Beautiful reprint set featuring nine of Sharaku's most famous kabuki portraits mounted to a single backing sheet. Each miniature design is finely detailed and beautifully printed with a shimmering silver mica background. A great way to collect a fine group of Sharaku's expressive designs.

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 - Each print 5 3/8" x 3 3/8" + margins as shown; backing sheet 18" x 13 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Center of each reprint mounted to the backing sheet. Slight toning. One print has a light crease. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Set of Nine Miniature Kabuki Portrait Reprints by Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)
Set of Nine Miniature Kabuki Portrait Reprints by Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)