Takamizawa Reprints - Handsome reprint by the venerable Takamizawa publisher. Takamizawa was known as one of the finest reprint publishers of the 20th century, and produced some of the highest quality ukiyo-e woodblock reprints of all time. A great opportunity to acquire a fine reprint of a classic ukiyo-e design.

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 - Terrific kabuki print depicting two sumo wrestlers, their bulky frames filling the page. The man at right smiles over his shoulder at his companion, who looks off into the distance, clutching a towel in his hand. Wonderfully expressive figures. Rarely seen in reprint.

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. Please see photos for details. Good overall.