The Actor Ichikawa Ebizō V as Kudo Saemon Suketsune - Tōshūsai Sharaku

A striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō V with the artist's signature expressive style.

This woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō V in the role of Kudo Saemon Suketsune. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief but 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 portraiture, often exaggerating the facial features and expressions of his subjects to capture the intensity of their stage personas.

In this composition, the actor is shown in profile, wearing a formal kamishimo costume decorated with a floral pattern. The sharp, angular lines of the robes contrast with the stylised, almost caricature-like rendering of the actor's face. The use of a mica background, a technique common in high-quality ukiyo-e prints of the period, provides a subtle, shimmering effect that draws attention to the figure. The print captures a specific moment of dramatic tension, typical of the yakusha-e genre, which focused on documenting the popular actors of the day.

Sharaku's work differs from the more idealised portraits produced by his contemporaries. His focus on the psychological state of the actor, rather than a flattering likeness, provides a unique perspective on the kabuki theatre culture of the late eighteenth century. The bold use of colour and the deliberate distortion of form demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of graphic design and printmaking techniques. This piece remains a primary example of the artist's ability to convey character through minimal, highly controlled visual elements. The print serves as a record of both the theatrical performance and the specific aesthetic choices that defined Sharaku's short career.