{"title":"Sharaku","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-ebizo-as-takemura-sadanoshin-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Ichikawa Ebizō as Takemura Sadanoshin - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicting the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV, known for its bold, expressive caricature style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku captures the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV in the role of Takemura Sadanoshin. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of portraits depicting actors at the Kawarazaki-za theatre in Edo. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised representations common in contemporary ukiyo-e. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print displays the actor in a moment of intense focus. The composition is dominated by the subject's profile, with the large nose and sharp, angular jawline rendered through bold, clean lines. The colour palette is restrained, utilising a soft yellow for the kimono, a muted grey for the background, and a subtle green for the garment's trim. These choices draw the viewer's attention to the actor's psychological state rather than the decorative elements of his costume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's career was brief, spanning only ten months between 1794 and 1795. During this period, he produced approximately 140 prints. His work was often met with mixed reactions from the public, as his unflattering portrayals of popular actors broke with the conventions of the time. Today, these prints are recognised for their psychological depth and their departure from the standard aesthetic of the Edo period. The use of mica (kirazuri) in the background, a technique that creates a shimmering effect, adds a layer of sophistication to the print. This specific portrait remains a primary example of Sharaku's ability to capture the essence of a performance through a singular, concentrated image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517668069711,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517729214799,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517729247567,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517729280335,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517729313103,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517729345871,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517729378639,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517729411407,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517729444175,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517729476943,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517729509711,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517729542479,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Ichikawa-Ebiz-as-Takemura-Sadanoshin_Poster_CompositorV1_1786465589430.jpg?v=1787146337"},{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-ebizo-as-kamakura-gongoro-kagemasa-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Ichikawa Ebizō as Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the intensity of kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō in a classic warrior role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō in the role of the warrior Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa. The image originates from the play Otokoyama Oedo no Ishizue, performed at the Kiri-za theatre in Edo during the fifth month of 1794. Sharaku is recognised for his unconventional approach to actor portraiture, often exaggerating facial features to capture the intensity of a performance rather than a flattering likeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the actor in a dynamic pose, his body angled to suggest movement and tension. The bold lines define the heavy robes and the sharp contours of the face, which is marked with the stylised makeup typical of the aragoto, or rough style, of kabuki acting. The colour palette is restrained, relying on deep reds, muted greens, and neutral tones to draw attention to the actor's expressive gaze and posture. The figure occupies the majority of the frame, set against a plain background that emphasises the theatricality of the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku was active for only a brief period, yet his prints remain significant examples of the ukiyo-e genre. His work captures the fleeting nature of the kabuki stage, documenting the specific actors and roles that captivated Edo audiences. This print provides a glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of late eighteenth-century Japanese theatre, where the actor's persona and the character's identity merged in the eyes of the public. The print is a characteristic example of Sharaku's brief but highly productive career, during which he produced a series of portraits that departed from the idealised depictions common among his contemporaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517698707791,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517757362511,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517757395279,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517757428047,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517757460815,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517757493583,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517757526351,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517757559119,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517757591887,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517757624655,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517757657423,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517757690191,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Ichikawa-Ebiz-as-Kamakura-Gongor-Kagemasa_Poster_CompositorV1_1786466194177.jpg?v=1787146673"},{"product_id":"actor-otani-tokuji-as-the-servant-sodesuke-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Otani Tokuji as the Servant Sodesuke - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Otani Tokuji with psychological intensity and bold, expressive lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Otani Tokuji in the role of the servant Sodesuke. The work originates from a series of portraits produced in 1794, during the fifth month of the Japanese calendar, when the actor performed at the Miyako-za theatre in Edo. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to the yakusha-e (actor print) genre, often favouring psychological intensity and exaggerated facial features over the idealised beauty common in the works of his contemporaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the upper torso and head of the actor, set against a dark, mica-dusted background that creates a sense of depth and focus. The lines are bold and deliberate, defining the actor's expressive features and the folds of his costume. The colour palette is restrained, relying on earthy browns, blacks, and the natural tone of the paper, which allows the viewer to concentrate on the actor's posture and gaze. The servant Sodesuke is shown holding an object, his expression conveying a specific moment of dramatic tension from the play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's career was brief, spanning only ten months, yet his output remains a subject of study for the distinct characterisation of his subjects. Unlike other artists who sought to flatter the performers, Sharaku captured the raw, often unflattering reality of the stage. This print demonstrates his ability to translate the energy of a theatrical performance into a static, two-dimensional medium. The use of a mica background, or kira-e, was a technique reserved for high-quality prints, suggesting that this work was intended for a discerning audience of theatre enthusiasts. The print provides a direct connection to the aesthetic values of the Edo period, capturing the intersection of popular culture, performance art, and printmaking techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517803761999,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517858386255,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58517858419023,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517858451791,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517858484559,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517858517327,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517858550095,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517858582863,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517858615631,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517858648399,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58517858681167,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517858713935,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Otani-Tokuji-as-the-Servant-Sodesuke_Poster_CompositorV1_1786466888263.jpg?v=1787147859"},{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-yaozo-3rd-as-tanabe-bunzo-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Ichikawa Yaozō 3rd as Tanabe Bunzō - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozō 3rd with characteristic psychological intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozō 3rd in the role of Tanabe Bunzō. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of actor portraits created during a brief ten-month period of activity for the artist. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised representations common in contemporary ukiyo-e. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print features the actor against a dark, mica-dusted background, a technique known as kira-e. This choice of backdrop isolates the figure, drawing attention to the actor's posture and the specific characterisation of his face. The lines are precise, defining the contours of the actor's profile and the folds of his patterned kimono. The colour palette is restrained, relying on the contrast between the dark grey background, the black elements of the costume, and the muted reddish-brown grid pattern of the garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture provides a glimpse into the theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan. By focusing on the psychological intensity of the actor, the artist captures a specific moment of performance. The print reflects the conventions of the time while demonstrating a distinct individual vision. The composition is balanced, with the actor's gaze directed away from the viewer, suggesting an internal focus or a reaction to an off-stage event. This print is a representative example of the artist's brief but impactful contribution to the genre of yakusha-e, or actor prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/jo-and-uba-of-takasago-looking-at-the-rising-sun-totoya-hokkei\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eJo and Uba of Takasago Looking at the Rising Sun - Totoya Hokkei — Totoya Hokkei\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518074523983,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518286991695,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518287024463,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518287057231,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518287089999,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518287122767,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518287155535,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518287188303,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518287221071,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518287253839,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518287286607,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518287319375,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Ichikawa-Yaoz-3rd-as-Tanabe-Bunz-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786467848445.jpg?v=1787149101"},{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-monnosuke-2nd-as-date-no-yosaku-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke 2nd as Date no Yosaku - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Monnosuke 2nd with the artist's signature expressive style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Monnosuke 2nd in the role of Date no Yosaku. Produced in 1794, this work belongs to a brief, intense period of activity for the artist, who appeared in the Edo art scene for only ten months. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to the yakusha-e (actor print) genre, which typically favoured idealised features. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the physical traits and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is a close-up portrait set against a dark, mica-dusted background, a technique known as kira-e. This choice draws the viewer's attention directly to the actor's face and posture. The lines are precise and deliberate, capturing the specific tension in the actor's jaw and the set of his eyes. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted earth tones for the kimono, which allows the subtle patterns on the collar and the starkness of the facial features to dominate the visual field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work often provoked mixed reactions among his contemporaries due to his refusal to flatter the performers. Rather than presenting a polished image, he captured a specific moment of dramatic intensity on stage. This print provides a clear example of his ability to convey character through physical distortion and sharp, graphic lines. The inclusion of the actor's name and the play title in the margins follows the standard conventions of the period, yet the execution remains distinctively individual. This print offers a glimpse into the theatrical culture of the Edo period, where the fame of kabuki actors was inextricably linked to the circulation of these mass-produced images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518123643215,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518352134479,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518352167247,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518352200015,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518352232783,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518352265551,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518352298319,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518352331087,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518352363855,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518352396623,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518352429391,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518352462159,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Ichikawa-Monnosuke-2nd-as-Date-no-Yosaku_Poster_CompositorV1_1786468087058.jpg?v=1787149178"},{"product_id":"otani-tokuji-i-as-the-retainer-sodesuke-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Otani Tokuji I as the Retainer Sodesuke - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Otani Tokuji I in a moment of dramatic tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Otani Tokuji I in the role of the retainer Sodesuke. The work originates from a series of actor portraits produced during a brief, ten-month period in 1794. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to the yakusha-e genre, which typically favoured idealised representations of performers. Instead, he employed a style characterised by psychological intensity and physical exaggeration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the upper torso and head of the actor, set against a dark, mica-dusted background. This choice of backdrop creates a sense of depth and focus, isolating the figure from any narrative clutter. The actor's expression is one of tension, with his eyes cast upward and his mouth slightly agape. His posture, with one hand raised near his chest and the other gripping a sword hilt, suggests a moment of dramatic anticipation within the play. The lines defining his features are bold and deliberate, capturing the specific facial structure of the actor rather than a generic mask.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work often provoked mixed reactions among contemporary audiences due to his refusal to flatter his subjects. His prints provide a record of the kabuki stage in late eighteenth-century Edo, documenting the specific performances and actors of the era. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of muted tones that allows the expressive lines and the actor's posture to dominate the visual experience. This print remains a primary example of the artist's ability to convey character through the medium of the woodblock print, moving beyond mere documentation to offer a study of human emotion and theatrical presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518731686223,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518762553679,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518762586447,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518762619215,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518762651983,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518762684751,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518762717519,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518762750287,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518762783055,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518762815823,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518762848591,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518762881359,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Otani-Tokuji-I-as-the-Retainer-Sodesuke_Poster_CompositorV1_1786468857843.jpg?v=1787150508"},{"product_id":"ichikawa-ebizo-iv-as-takemura-sadanoshin-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Ichikawa Ebizō IV as Takemura Sadanoshin - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV with the artist's signature expressive, non-idealised style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV in the role of Takemura Sadanoshin. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, ten-month period during which Sharaku was active as a printmaker. His career remains one of the most enigmatic chapters in the history of Japanese art, as he appeared suddenly in the publishing scene and vanished just as quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku is known for his departure from the idealised portraits common in the ukiyo-e tradition. Instead of smoothing over the features of his subjects, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the physical traits of the actors. In this portrait, the actor's nose, jawline, and intense gaze are rendered with sharp, deliberate lines. The composition is an ōkubi-e, or large-head picture, which focuses the viewer's attention entirely on the actor's expression and psychological state. The background is a mica-dusted grey, a technique that provides a metallic, reflective quality to the print, separating the figure from the space behind him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor wears a kimono decorated with geometric patterns, which contrast with the fluid, expressive lines of his face. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted oranges, greys, and off-whites to maintain focus on the actor's dramatic persona. This print captures a specific moment of performance, reflecting the tension and artifice of the Edo-period theatre. Sharaku's approach was often criticised by his contemporaries for its lack of flattery, yet it provides a direct, unvarnished look at the performers of the time. This print is a representative example of his ability to capture the essence of a character through distortion and precise line work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/jo-and-uba-of-takasago-looking-at-the-rising-sun-totoya-hokkei\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eJo and Uba of Takasago Looking at the Rising Sun - Totoya Hokkei — Totoya Hokkei\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518742073679,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518781002063,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518781034831,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518781067599,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518781100367,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518781133135,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518781165903,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518781198671,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518781231439,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518781264207,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518781296975,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518781329743,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Ichikawa-Ebiz-IV-as-Takemura-Sadanoshin_Poster_CompositorV1_1786469046928.jpg?v=1787150589"},{"product_id":"the-actor-matsumoto-koshiro-as-banzuin-chobei-toshusai-sharaku","title":"The Actor Matsumoto Koshiro as Banzuin Chobei - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV with characteristic psychological intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTōshūsai Sharaku remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the history of Japanese art. Active for only ten months between 1794 and 1795, he produced a series of striking portraits of Kabuki actors that departed from the idealised conventions of his contemporaries. This print depicts the actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV in the role of the chivalrous commoner Banzuin Chobei.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku is known for his unflinching approach to portraiture. Rather than smoothing over the features of his subjects, he exaggerated their expressions and physical traits to capture the intensity of their stage performances. In this composition, the focus rests on the actor's profile and the deliberate placement of his hand near his mouth. The lines are economical, defining the form of the kimono and the contours of the face with precision. The absence of heavy colour in this specific impression allows the viewer to observe the strength of the draughtsmanship and the clarity of the woodblock carving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work belongs to the genre of yakusha-e, or actor prints, which were popular among the urban population of Edo. While many artists of the period sought to flatter their subjects, Sharaku’s work often possessed a psychological weight that unsettled his audience. His career ended as abruptly as it began, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied for its departure from standard ukiyo-e aesthetics. This print provides a clear example of his ability to distil a complex theatrical persona into a singular, graphic image. The composition relies on the balance between the negative space of the paper and the rhythmic lines of the subject's attire, creating a sense of movement and character that defines the actor's presence on the stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/xu-you-and-chao-fu-okumura-masanobu\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eXu You and Chao Fu - Okumura Masanobu — Okumura Masanobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/inside-akiba-shrine-at-ukeji-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eInside Akiba Shrine at Ukeji - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518811574607,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518921838927,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58518921871695,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518921904463,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518921937231,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518921969999,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518922002767,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518922035535,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518922068303,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518922101071,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58518922133839,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518922166607,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Actor-Matsumoto-Koshiro-as-Banzuin-Chobei_Poster_CompositorV1_1786469433929.jpg?v=1787151363"},{"product_id":"kabuki-actor-otani-oniji-iii-as-yakko-edobei-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Kabuki Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the intense theatricality of kabuki actor Ōtani Oniji III in a classic large-head portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ōtani Oniji III in the role of the servant Yakko Edobei. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, intense period of activity for the artist, who appeared in the Edo art scene for only ten months. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to portraiture, which often favoured psychological intensity over the idealised features common in contemporary prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the upper torso and head of the actor, captured in a moment of dramatic tension. The figure is shown in profile, with his hands splayed in a gesture characteristic of the kabuki stage. Sharaku employs a stark, mica-dusted background, which provides a neutral field that draws attention to the actor's facial expression. The lines are bold and deliberate, defining the sharp angles of the nose, the heavy brows, and the tense set of the mouth. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones of brown, black, and off-white, with subtle accents of red in the garment stripes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many of his peers who sought to flatter their subjects, Sharaku captured the raw, often grotesque reality of the performance. This print is a prime example of his 'okubi-e' or large-head portrait style. The work provides a direct view into the theatrical culture of the Edo period, documenting the specific mannerisms and costumes of the kabuki stage. The print remains a significant example of the expressive potential of the woodblock medium, demonstrating how minimal colour and strong line work can convey complex human emotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519265902927,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519299719503,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519299752271,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519299785039,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519299817807,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519299850575,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519299883343,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519299916111,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519299948879,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519299981647,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519300014415,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519300047183,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Kabuki-Actor-tani-Oniji-III-as-Yakko-Edobei_Poster_CompositorV1_1786470735018.jpg?v=1787153386"},{"product_id":"nakamura-nakazo-ii-as-prince-koretaka-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Nakamura Nakazo II as Prince Koretaka - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the intense theatrical presence of kabuki actor Nakamura Nakazo II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Nakamura Nakazo II in the role of Prince Koretaka. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, ten-month period during which the artist created a series of actor portraits. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised representations common in the ukiyo-e genre of the time. Instead, he employed a style that emphasised the specific, often exaggerated, physical features of the performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the upper torso and head of the actor. The figure is set against a plain, mica-dusted background, which directs the viewer's attention to the actor's expression and posture. The lines are bold and deliberate, capturing the tension of the character. The actor wears a striped garment, rendered with a rhythmic pattern that contrasts with the smooth, pale skin of the face. The hand gripping the sword hilt adds a sense of immediate action to the portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture was unconventional. He did not seek to flatter his subjects. Rather, he captured the psychological intensity of the kabuki performance. The sharp angles of the eyes and the set of the mouth convey a specific dramatic moment from the play Ōshukubai Koi no Hatsune. This print is a representative example of the artist's ability to distil the essence of a theatrical role into a single, graphic image. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of black, red, and soft ochre tones to maintain focus on the actor's presence. The work remains a primary source for understanding the aesthetic of the Edo period theatre and the unique vision of its most enigmatic printmaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-moon-viewing-promontory-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThe Moon-Viewing Promontory - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519279042895,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519323279695,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519323312463,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519323345231,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519323377999,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519323410767,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519323443535,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519323476303,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519323509071,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519323541839,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519323574607,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519323607375,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Nakamura-Nakazo-II-as-Prince-Koretaka_Poster_CompositorV1_1786470875273.jpg?v=1787153404"},{"product_id":"actor-segawa-tomisaburo-ii-as-the-geisha-asaka-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Segawa Tomisaburo II as the Geisha Asaka - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Segawa Tomisaburo II in a refined kabuki performance role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Segawa Tomisaburo II in the role of the geisha Asaka. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, intense period of activity for the artist, who appeared on the Edo art scene for only ten months. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to actor portraits, often favouring psychological intensity and exaggerated features over the idealised beauty common in the works of his contemporaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this composition, the actor is shown in a graceful, standing pose. The figure is draped in a kimono featuring a subtle pattern, set against a background that incorporates a shoji screen and cherry blossoms. The lines are precise and controlled, characteristic of the ukiyo-e tradition, yet the facial expression carries a distinct, individualised quality. The colour palette remains restrained, relying on soft earth tones, muted greens, and delicate pinks to define the form and texture of the garments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku’s prints were often met with mixed reactions during his time, as his unflinching observation of the actors departed from the standard aesthetic expectations of the theatre-going public. Today, these prints are studied for their technical execution and the artist's ability to capture the essence of a performance within the constraints of the woodblock medium. The print demonstrates the sophisticated use of colour blocks and line work that defined the late eighteenth-century Japanese print market. This museum-grade reproduction captures the subtle gradations and the specific line quality of the original, preserving the historical character of the Edo-period aesthetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/jo-and-uba-of-takasago-looking-at-the-rising-sun-totoya-hokkei\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eJo and Uba of Takasago Looking at the Rising Sun - Totoya Hokkei — Totoya Hokkei\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519381180751,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519411720527,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519411753295,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519411786063,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519411818831,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519411851599,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519411884367,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519411917135,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519411949903,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519411982671,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519412015439,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519412048207,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Segawa-Tomisaburo-II-as-the-Geisha-Asaka_Poster_CompositorV1_1786471333268.jpg?v=1787154387"},{"product_id":"sakata-hangoro-iii-as-fujikawa-mizuemon-in-the-play-hana-ayame-bunroku-soga-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Sakata Hangorō III as Fujikawa Mizuemon in the Play Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Sakata Hangorō III with the artist's signature expressive, non-idealised style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Sakata Hangorō III in the role of the villain Fujikawa Mizuemon. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of actor portraits that defined the artist's brief but intense career. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised depictions of actors common in the ukiyo-e tradition of the period. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this portrait, the actor is shown with a heavy, rounded jawline and a sharp, suspicious gaze. The composition is focused entirely on the upper torso and head, set against a mica-dusted background that provides a flat, neutral space. The lines are precise and deliberate, capturing the tension in the actor's posture and the specific characterisation required for the role of a villain in the play Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted greens and greys to draw attention to the actor's pale complexion and the stark black of his hair and collar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture was unconventional for the Edo period. By focusing on the psychological state of the actor rather than a flattering likeness, he created images that possess a distinct, almost confrontational presence. The print demonstrates the technical mastery of the woodblock medium, with clean registration and subtle variations in line weight. This piece remains a primary example of the artist's ability to distil the drama of the kabuki stage into a single, static image. It provides a clear view into the aesthetic priorities of late eighteenth-century Japanese printmaking, where the personality of the performer was as important as the narrative of the play itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nihonbashi-morning-scene-utagawa-hiroshige-1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNihonbashi: Morning Scene - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519713349967,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519748051279,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519748084047,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519748116815,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519748149583,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519748182351,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519748215119,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519748247887,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519748280655,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519748313423,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519748346191,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519748378959,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Sakata-Hangor-III-as-Fujikawa-Mizuemon-in-the-Play-Hana-Ayame-Bunroku-Soga_Poster_CompositorV1_1786473968983.jpg?v=1787159257"},{"product_id":"actor-yamashita-kinsaku-ii-as-sadatos-wife-iwate-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Yamashita Kinsaku II as Sadato's Wife Iwate - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicting kabuki actor Yamashita Kinsaku II, known for its psychological intensity and distinct portrait style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Yamashita Kinsaku II in the role of Iwate, the wife of Sadato. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, intense period of activity during which the artist created a series of actor portraits. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised depictions common in the ukiyo-e genre of the time. Instead, he employed a style that emphasised the specific facial features and psychological intensity of the performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor in a crouched posture, set against a backdrop of a flowering plum tree. The use of a mica background, a technique often employed in these prints, provides a subtle, shimmering quality that contrasts with the bold lines of the figure. The actor wears a patterned kimono, rendered with precise detail, which complements the organic forms of the plum branches above. The colour palette remains restrained, relying on muted earth tones and soft oranges to maintain focus on the actor's expression and physical form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture often involved a degree of caricature, which allowed him to capture the essence of a performance rather than a mere likeness. This print serves as a record of the kabuki theatre culture in Edo-period Japan. The artist's identity remains a subject of historical debate, as his career lasted less than a year. Despite this brevity, his contributions to the woodblock medium are recognised for their distinct aesthetic and technical execution. The print demonstrates the artist's ability to balance decorative elements with the dramatic requirements of theatrical portraiture, resulting in a composition that is both balanced and visually engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/tokaido-landscape-with-mount-fuji-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eTokaido Landscape with Mount Fuji - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/poet-ono-no-komachi-standing-beneath-willow-by-a-stream-torii-kiyonaga\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003ePoet Ono no Komachi Standing Beneath Willow by a Stream - Torii Kiyonaga — Torii Kiyonaga\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520002822479,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520153915727,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520153948495,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520153981263,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520154014031,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520154046799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520154079567,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520154112335,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520154145103,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520154177871,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520154210639,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520154243407,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Yamashita-Kinsaku-II-as-Sadato-s-Wife-Iwate_Poster_CompositorV1_1786475314894.jpg?v=1787160978"},{"product_id":"arashi-ryuzo-i-as-ishibe-kinkichi-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Arashi Ryūzō I as Ishibe Kinkichi - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Arashi Ryūzō I in a characteristically expressive, large-head portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Arashi Ryūzō I in the role of the money-lender Ishibe Kinkichi. Created in 1794, the work belongs to a series of actor portraits produced during a brief ten-month period of activity by the artist. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised representations common in the ukiyo-e genre of the period. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this portrait, the actor is shown with a distinctive, pinched expression, his mouth set in a grimace that conveys the character's miserly nature. The composition is a close-up, focusing on the head and shoulders against a mica-dusted background, which provides a metallic, reflective quality to the print. The use of a grid-like pattern on the actor's kimono adds a geometric element to the otherwise fluid lines of the figure. The colour palette is restrained, relying on the contrast between the dark background, the muted red of the garment, and the pale skin tone of the actor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture was unconventional for the Edo period. By focusing on the psychological state of the actor rather than merely recording their appearance, he created images that possess a sharp, observational quality. This print is an example of the 'okubi-e' or large-head portrait style, which allowed for a greater degree of detail in the depiction of facial muscles and expressions. The work remains a primary example of the artist's ability to capture the tension and drama of the kabuki stage through the medium of the woodblock print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nihonbashi-morning-scene-utagawa-hiroshige-1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNihonbashi: Morning Scene - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520260575567,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520304681295,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520304714063,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520304746831,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520304779599,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520304812367,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520304845135,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520304877903,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520304910671,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520304943439,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520304976207,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520305008975,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Arashi-Ry-z-I-as-Ishibe-Kinkichi_Poster_CompositorV1_1786476272239.jpg?v=1787162632"},{"product_id":"the-actor-nakayama-kumetaro-ii-toshusai-sharaku","title":"The Actor Nakayama Kumetaro II - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Nakayama Kumetaro II with the artist's signature expressive realism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Nakayama Kumetaro II. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, intense period of activity during which the artist created approximately 140 portraits of actors. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised representations common in the ukiyo-e genre of the time. Instead, he employed a style that borders on caricature, exaggerating the facial features and expressions of his subjects to capture their psychological state or the intensity of their stage persona.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor in a crouched posture, dressed in a black kimono adorned with a floral pattern, layered over a red undergarment. The background is a flat, uniform yellow, a technique often used in these prints to isolate the figure and focus the viewer on the actor's posture and expression. The lines are precise and calligraphic, defining the folds of the fabric and the sharp contours of the face. The artist's signature and the publisher's mark are visible on the left side of the print, providing historical context for the production of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's career was remarkably short, lasting only ten months. Despite this, his prints remain some of the most recognisable examples of the Edo period. His approach to portraiture provides a direct look at the kabuki theatre culture of the late 18th century. By focusing on the individual characteristics of the actors, he moved away from the generic beauty standards that dominated the art market. This print is a clear example of his ability to combine technical precision with a distinct, often unsettling, psychological depth. It offers a view into the aesthetic priorities of the period, where the artifice of the stage was captured through a lens of stark, graphic realism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nihonbashi-morning-scene-utagawa-hiroshige-1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNihonbashi: Morning Scene - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/street-performer-in-edo-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eStreet Performer in Edo - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520291770703,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520310513999,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58520310546767,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520310579535,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520310612303,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520310645071,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520310677839,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520310710607,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520310743375,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520310776143,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58520310808911,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520310841679,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/The-Actor-Nakayama-Kumetaro-II_Poster_CompositorV1_1786476487578.jpg?v=1787163076"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/collections\/sharaku.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}