1794 (Kansei 6)／Color woodblock print on paper
35.2 x 23.5 cm
SUMMARY
ARTIST
Toshusai Sharaku
Date of birth/death unknown, fl. 1794-1795
Active for only ten months beginning in May 1794, he released color prints on three occasions, totaling over 140 pieces. Among them was a series of 28 okubi-e (portraits of the head and upper torso) with mica powder backgrounds which attracted attention. The series was of kabuki actors of the time, and included Otani Oniji III in the Role of the Servant Edobei and Ichikawa Ebizo as Takemura Sadanoshin. Because the actors’ characteristics were captured so faithfully, his work received a response that was both good and bad: “He drew too true to reality...and didn’t last long.” (Ota Nampo, Various Thoughts on Ukiyo-e)
List of artworks by the same artist
INFORMATION
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