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 - Wonderful three-quarters-length portrait of Osagawa Tsuneyo II as Sakuragi, the wife of Sadanoshin in the kabuki play "Koi Nyobo Somewake Tazuna." Her husband was engaged by a nobleman as a Noh drama instructor, but he was dismissed over the misconduct of his daughter, who served as a lady's maid. In this image, Sakuragi is shown watching her husband's final Noh performance, unaware that he plans to commit suicide during the play. She watches with an expression of quiet resolution, her eyes wide as she gently pulls at the sleeve of her outer kimono. A moving design with soft color and a lovely shimmering mica background.

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 15" s 9 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Good overall.