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 portrait of Segawa Tomisaburo II as Yadorigi, the wife of Ogishi Kurando, in the kabuki play "Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga." Her lips tightly pursed, Yadorigi looks ahead with a resolute expression, pulling up the collar of her black outer kimono, which features a colorful design of chrysanthemums, over an orange under robe. Her hair is pulled back into a large bun, with lovely handling to show the transparency of the comb. A handsome Sharaku design with the warm red tones of the kimono contrasting beautifully with the distressed background.

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 15 3/4" x 10 5/8" + bottom margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Rippling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.