{"title":"Toshusai Sharaku","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"actor-matsumoto-koshiro-iv-as-gorobei-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Matsumoto Kōshirō IV as Gorōbei - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Matsumoto Kōshirō IV with characteristic psychological intensity and sharp, graphic lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Matsumoto Kōshirō IV in the role of the fishmonger Gorōbei. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief but intense period of activity for the artist, who created a series of actor portraits for the Kiri-za theatre in Edo. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised representations common in the Ukiyo-e genre of the time. Instead, he employs a style of caricature that emphasises the specific facial features and psychological state of the performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is a close-up, focusing on the actor's profile. The lines are sharp and deliberate, defining the contours of the face, the bridge of the nose, and the set of the mouth. The actor holds a pipe, a detail that adds a sense of character and narrative to the portrait. The background is a flat, dark grey mica ground, which serves to isolate the figure and draw attention to the actor's expression. The colour palette is restrained, relying on the contrast between the dark background, the black of the hair and collar, and the earthy tones of the patterned kimono.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture remains distinct within the history of Japanese printmaking. By rejecting the standard conventions of beauty, he provides a direct observation of the actor's persona. The print captures a moment of stillness, yet the tension in the facial muscles suggests a character caught in a specific dramatic situation. This work is an example of the artist's ability to convey personality through minimal graphic means, prioritising the individual traits of the subject over decorative embellishment. The print reflects the culture of the Edo period, where the theatre and its performers were central to urban life and artistic production.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517638447439,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517638512975,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517638611279,"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":58517638644047,"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":58517638709583,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Matsumoto-K-shir-IV-as-Gor-bei_Poster_CompositorV1_1786464968023.jpg?v=1787145436"},{"product_id":"actor-segawa-kikunojo-3rd-as-oshizu-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Segawa Kikunojō 3rd as Oshizu - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojō III in the role of Oshizu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojō III in the role of Oshizu, the wife of Tanabe Bunzō. The work originates from a series of portraits produced in 1794, capturing performers at the Miyako-za theatre in Edo. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to actor portraiture, often exaggerating facial features to convey the specific intensity of a performance rather than providing a flattering likeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this print, the actor is shown in profile, with the stark white makeup of the character contrasting against the dark, mica-dusted background. The composition focuses on the upper torso and head, allowing the viewer to observe the precise lines of the actor's expression and the elaborate styling of the hair. The kimono features a fern-like pattern, rendered with controlled lines that demonstrate the technical skill of the woodblock carver. The colour palette is restrained, relying on the interplay between the pale skin tones, the dark hair, and the muted orange and green accents of the costume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku was active for only a brief period, yet his output remains a subject of study for the psychological depth he brought to the genre of yakusha-e, or actor prints. Unlike many of his contemporaries who sought to idealise their subjects, Sharaku utilised a more analytical style. This print provides a glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of the late eighteenth-century Japanese theatre, where the artifice of the stage was translated into the graphic medium of the woodblock print. The work is an example of the artist's ability to capture a fleeting moment of dramatic tension, preserved through the collaborative process of the publisher, carver, and printer.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517651390799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517651456335,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517651554639,"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":58517651587407,"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":58517651652943,"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-Kikunoj-3rd-as-Oshizu_Poster_CompositorV1_1786465328588.jpg?v=1787145491"},{"product_id":"actor-arashi-ryuzo-as-the-money-lender-ishibe-kinkichi-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Arashi Ryuzō as the Money Lender Ishibe Kinkichi - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Arashi Ryuzō in a moment of intense theatrical expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Arashi Ryuzō in the role of the money lender Ishibe Kinkichi. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to the genre of ōkubi-e, or large-head portraits, which focus on the facial expressions and psychological state of the performer. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised portrayals common in the ukiyo-e tradition. Instead, he employs a style of caricature that emphasises the specific, often unflattering, features of the actor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this print, the subject is shown with a distinctive, heavy jawline and a grimacing expression. The eyes are wide, with the pupils directed upwards, conveying a sense of suspicion or agitation appropriate for the character of a miserly money lender. The composition is stark, set against a mica-dusted background that provides a metallic, reflective quality. The actor wears a patterned kimono, rendered with a grid-like design that contrasts with the smooth, pale skin of the face. The lines are precise and controlled, capturing the tension in the actor's posture as he clutches his garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku was active for only ten months, during which he produced a series of portraits that challenged the conventions of the Edo period theatre print. His work captures the raw energy of the stage, prioritising the actor's individual personality over decorative beauty. This print is a representative example of his brief but intense period of artistic production, demonstrating his ability to convey complex human emotion through the medium of the woodblock print. The use of colour is restrained, focusing on the orange-red of the kimono and the neutral tones of the background, which directs the viewer's attention to the actor's face.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517734719823,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517734785359,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517734883663,"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":58517734916431,"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":58517734981967,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Arashi-Ryuz-as-the-Money-Lender-Ishibe-Kinkichi_Poster_CompositorV1_1786465857353.jpg?v=1787146416"},{"product_id":"actors-nakajima-wadaemon-and-nakamura-konozo-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actors Nakajima Wadaemon and Nakamura Konozō - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the intense, expressive faces of two kabuki actors in a classic ōkubi-e portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts two kabuki actors, Nakajima Wadaemon and Nakamura Konozō, in their respective roles as Bōdara Chōzaemon and Gon of the Kanagawa-ya. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of large-head portraits (ōkubi-e) that captured the intense, often exaggerated expressions of performers at the Kiri-za theatre in Edo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku is known for his departure from the idealised beauty common in contemporary ukiyo-e. Instead, he focused on the psychological state of the actor, using sharp, angular lines and stark contrasts to convey character. In this composition, the two figures are positioned in close proximity, their facial features rendered with a focus on the grotesque and the expressive. The actor on the left, Nakajima Wadaemon, displays a grimace, while the figure on the right, Nakamura Konozō, leans in with a look of concern or suspicion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe use of a mica background (kirazuri) adds a subtle, shimmering quality to the print, which was a hallmark of Sharaku's early work. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones of red, grey, and off-white to direct the viewer's attention to the actors' faces and gestures. The composition is flat, typical of the period, yet the overlapping forms create a sense of immediate, dramatic tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's career was brief, spanning only ten months in 1794 and 1795. Despite this short period, his output remains a significant record of the kabuki theatre culture of the late eighteenth century. His approach to portraiture rejected the standardisation of the time, offering a raw, unflinching look at the performers who entertained the urban population of Edo. This print provides a clear example of his ability to distil the essence of a theatrical performance into a single, static 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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517738881359,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517738946895,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517739045199,"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":58517739077967,"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":58517739143503,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actors-Nakajima-Wadaemon-and-Nakamura-Konoz-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786465928877.jpg?v=1787146543"},{"product_id":"actors-matsumoto-koshiro-4th-and-nakayama-tomisaburo-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actors Matsumoto Kōshirō 4th and Nakayama Tomisaburō - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the dramatic intensity of Kabuki actors Matsumoto Kōshirō 4th and Nakayama Tomisaburō.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTōshūsai Sharaku remains a figure of mystery within the history of Japanese art. Active for only ten months between 1794 and 1795, he produced a series of portraits depicting Kabuki actors that departed from the idealised conventions of his contemporaries. This print captures the actors Matsumoto Kōshirō 4th and Nakayama Tomisaburō in their respective roles from the play Shinrei Yaguchi no Watashi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku utilised a style known as okubi-e, or large-head pictures, to focus on the psychological presence of the performers. Rather than presenting the actors as flawless icons, he exaggerated their facial features, expressions, and physical mannerisms. The lines are precise, capturing the tension in the jaw and the specific tilt of the head. The use of a mica background, known as kira-e, provides a metallic, shimmering surface that elevates the subject matter. This technique was expensive and reserved for high-quality prints, suggesting the importance of these specific theatrical portrayals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this composition, the interaction between the two figures is conveyed through subtle gestures and the arrangement of their costumes. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted greens, soft reds, and the stark contrast of the black hair against the grey mica ground. The print reflects the intense, often dramatic atmosphere of the Edo period theatre. Sharaku's work provides a direct view into the performance culture of the time, documenting the specific actors who dominated the stage at the Kiri-za theatre. His approach to portraiture remains distinct for its unflinching observation and technical execution, offering a record of the Kabuki tradition that avoids the sentimentality found in other prints of the era.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517840855375,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517840920911,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517841019215,"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":58517841051983,"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":58517841117519,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actors-Matsumoto-K-shir-4th-and-Nakayama-Tomisabur-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786466442551.jpg?v=1787147600"},{"product_id":"actor-sawamura-sojuro-3rd-as-ogishi-kurando-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Sawamura Sōjurō 3rd as Ogishi Kurando - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku featuring the kabuki actor Sawamura Sōjurō 3rd in a striking, psychological portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Sawamura Sōjurō 3rd in the role of Ogishi Kurando. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, intense period of activity during which the artist created a series of actor portraits for the Miyako-za theatre in Edo. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised representations common in the ukiyo-e tradition, opting instead for a style that emphasises the distinct facial features and psychological presence of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is a close-up, focusing on the actor's head and shoulders. The figure holds a folding fan, which serves as a visual anchor. The background is a flat, mica-dusted grey, a technique that provides a metallic sheen and isolates the subject from any narrative setting. The artist uses bold, simplified lines to define the actor's features, particularly the eyes and the set of the mouth, which capture a specific moment of dramatic tension. The colour palette is restrained, relying on the soft orange of the kimono and the muted green of the fan to balance the starkness of the grey background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work remains a subject of study due to the artist's sudden appearance and disappearance from the art scene. His approach to portraiture, which often borders on caricature, offers a direct look at the theatrical culture of late eighteenth-century Japan. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the Edo-period woodblock printing process, where the collaboration between artist, carver, and printer resulted in a refined final object. This print is an example of the 'okubi-e' or large-head portrait style, which prioritises the emotional state of the actor over the full-body action typical of earlier theatrical 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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517859500367,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517859565903,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517859664207,"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":58517859696975,"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":58517859762511,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Sawamura-S-jur-3rd-as-Ogishi-Kurando_Poster_CompositorV1_1786466915749.jpg?v=1787147915"},{"product_id":"actor-tanimura-torazo-as-washizuka-happeiji-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Tanimura Torazō as Washizuka Happeiji - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the intense expression of kabuki actor Tanimura Torazō in a classic theatrical role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Tanimura Torazō in the role of Washizuka Happeiji. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, ten-month period during which the artist was active in the Edo print market. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to the yakusha-e (actor print) genre, often choosing to exaggerate facial features rather than idealise the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the upper torso and head of the actor, set against a mica-dusted grey background. This technique, known as kira-e, provides a metallic sheen that separates the figure from the flat plane. The actor's expression is one of intense concentration, with eyes widened and mouth set in a firm line. Sharaku uses bold, sweeping lines to define the contours of the kimono and the actor's posture, while the facial features are rendered with a stark, almost caricatured precision. The colour palette remains restrained, relying on ochre, black, and white to maintain focus on the psychological state of the character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work differs from his contemporaries who typically portrayed actors with smooth, youthful features. Instead, he captures the specific physical traits of the performer, including the texture of the skin and the tension in the neck muscles. This print is part of a series documenting performances at the Kawarazaki-za theatre. The inclusion of the actor's crest on the kimono provides a specific identification for the viewer, linking the print to the theatrical culture of the Edo period. The print demonstrates a departure from traditional portraiture, favouring a direct, unvarnished representation of the kabuki 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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58517979693391,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517979758927,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58517979857231,"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":58517979889999,"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":58517979955535,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Tanimura-Toraz-as-Washizuka-Happeiji_Poster_CompositorV1_1786467274828.jpg?v=1787148591"},{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-ebizo-as-kamakura-no-gondayu-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Ichikawa Ebizō as Kamakura no Gondayū - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō with characteristic psychological intensity and graphic precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō in the role of Kamakura no Gondayū, a character from the play Otokoyama Oedo no Ishizue, performed at the Kiri-za theatre in 1794. Sharaku is known for his brief but intense period of activity in the mid-1790s, during which he produced a series of actor portraits that departed from the idealised conventions of his contemporaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike the standard ukiyo-e portraits of the era, which often smoothed over the features of performers, Sharaku employed a style of caricature that emphasised the specific physical traits and psychological intensity of the actors. In this print, the subject is rendered with a distinct profile, his features captured with precise, clean lines against a neutral mica background. The composition focuses on the upper torso and head, allowing the viewer to observe the elaborate hairstyle, the decorative hairpins, and the patterned kimono. The use of a mica ground, or kirazuri, provides a subtle, shimmering quality that elevates the print beyond a simple theatrical record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku’s approach to portraiture was unconventional for the period. His work often provoked mixed reactions from the public, as he did not shy away from portraying the actors with a degree of unflattering realism. This specific print demonstrates his ability to balance the graphic requirements of a theatrical poster with a keen observation of human expression. The bold application of colour, particularly the deep red of the garment and the gold accents of the hair ornaments, creates a visual rhythm that guides the eye across the figure. This print remains a primary example of the artist's brief, ten-month career, during which he produced over one hundred prints that continue to be studied for their departure from the established norms of the Edo period.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518088712527,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518088778063,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518088876367,"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":58518088909135,"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":58518088974671,"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-no-Gonday-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786467638269.jpg?v=1787149058"},{"product_id":"matsumoto-koshiro-iv-as-gorobei-the-fish-seller-from-sanya-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Gorobei, the Fish Seller from Sanya - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV with psychological intensity and bold, expressive lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV in the role of Gorobei, the fish seller from Sanya. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of actor portraits that defined Sharaku's brief but intense career. The artist is known for his departure from the idealised features common in contemporary ukiyo-e, opting instead for a stark, psychological realism that captures the specific expressions and physical idiosyncrasies of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this portrait, the actor is shown in profile, holding a pipe. The composition is set against a dark, mica-dusted background, which provides a neutral space that forces the viewer to focus on the actor's facial features and posture. Sharaku uses bold, decisive lines to delineate the contours of the face, the bridge of the nose, and the set of the mouth. The actor's expression is one of focused intensity, a hallmark of the okubi-e (large-head picture) format that Sharaku helped to popularise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones to complement the dark background. The actor wears a patterned garment, rendered with subtle geometric lines that contrast with the smooth, pale skin of the face. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the Edo period woodblock printing process, where multiple blocks were used to achieve the final image. Sharaku's work remains a subject of study for its unique approach to characterisation, as he often exaggerated features to convey the essence of a performance. This print offers a direct look at the theatrical culture of late 18th-century Japan, capturing a fleeting moment on the kabuki stage with clarity and precision.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518754394447,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518754459983,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518754558287,"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":58518754591055,"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":58518754656591,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Matsumoto-Koshiro-IV-as-Gorobei-the-Fish-Seller-from-Sanya_Poster_CompositorV1_1786468567357.jpg?v=1787150459"},{"product_id":"the-actor-onoye-matsusuke-as-a-ronin-toshusai-sharaku","title":"The Actor Onoye Matsusuke as a Ronin - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Onoye Matsusuke in a moment of intense characterisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Onoye Matsusuke in the role of a ronin. 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 representations common in the ukiyo-e genre of the time. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the physical features and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the upper torso and head of the actor, set against a dark, mica-dusted background. The artist uses bold, clean lines to define the contours of the face, the heavy jawline, and the specific hairstyle of the ronin character. The actor holds a closed fan, while the hilt of a sword is visible at the bottom of the frame, providing context for the role. The colour palette is restrained, relying on the contrast between the dark background and the pale skin tones of the actor, with subtle accents on the fan and sword hilt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture captures a sense of psychological tension. By focusing on the specific grimace and the intense gaze of the actor, the print conveys the dramatic atmosphere of the kabuki stage. The work reflects the artist's interest in the raw reality of performance rather than the polished veneer of celebrity. This print is a representative example of the okubi-e, or large-head picture, a format that allowed for a detailed examination of facial expression and characterisation. The technical execution of the woodblock printing process ensures that the lines remain sharp and the flat areas of colour maintain their integrity, characteristic of the high standards of Edo-period printmaking.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518918168911,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518918234447,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518918332751,"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":58518918365519,"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":58518918431055,"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-Onoye-Matsusuke-as-a-Ronin_Poster_CompositorV1_1786469288646.jpg?v=1787151178"},{"product_id":"ichikawa-omezo-i-in-the-role-of-yakko-ippei-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Ichikawa Omezō I in the Role of Yakko Ippei - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the intense expression of kabuki actor Ichikawa Omezō I in a classic okubi-e portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Omezō I in the role of the servant Yakko Ippei. 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 actor portraits, which often eschewed the idealised features common in the work 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. The actor's expression is one of intense concentration, with eyes widened and brows furrowed. His hand grips the hilt of a sword, a gesture that conveys the tension of the theatrical moment. The lines are sharp and deliberate, capturing the specific facial structure and characterisation of the performer rather than a generic mask of beauty. The colour palette is restrained, relying on the contrast between the dark background, the pale skin of the actor, and the muted red of his garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's prints are categorised as 'okubi-e', or large-head pictures. This format allows for a direct engagement with the subject, stripping away extraneous detail to focus on the psychological state of the actor. The print reflects the specific aesthetic of the Kansei period, where the popularity of kabuki theatre drove a demand for souvenirs that captured the likenesses of famous performers. Despite the brevity of his career, Sharaku's work remains a primary example of the expressive potential within the ukiyo-e tradition, demonstrating a departure from the more decorative styles of other printmakers of the era.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518928916815,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518928982351,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518929080655,"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":58518929113423,"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":58518929178959,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Ichikawa-Omez-I-in-the-Role-of-Yakko-Ippei_Poster_CompositorV1_1786469675894.jpg?v=1787151661"},{"product_id":"segawa-tomisaburo-ii-and-nakamura-manyo-as-yadorigi-and-her-maid-wakakusa-in-the-play-hana-ayame-bunroku-soga-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Segawa Tomisaburō II and Nakamura Manyo as Yadorigi and Her Maid Wakakusa in the Play Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the expressive faces of kabuki actors Segawa Tomisaburō II and Nakamura Manyo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts two kabuki actors, Segawa Tomisaburō II and Nakamura Manyo, in their respective roles as Yadorigi and her maid, Wakakusa. The work originates from the fifth month of 1794, a period during which Sharaku produced his most recognisable portraits of the Edo theatre scene. The artist is known for his unconventional approach to actor portraiture, which often prioritised psychological intensity over idealised beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this composition, the figures are presented against a mica-dusted background, a technique that provides a subtle, metallic sheen to the print. Sharaku employs a distinctive style of caricature, exaggerating the facial features of the actors to capture the specific expressions and mannerisms associated with their stage personas. The focus remains on the interaction between the two characters, with the maid leaning forward while the mistress maintains a more composed posture. The use of colour is restrained, relying on muted greens, soft oranges, and neutral tones to draw attention to the expressive lines of the faces and the patterns of the kimono.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku was active for only a brief period, yet his contributions to the ukiyo-e genre remain distinct. His prints offer a direct view into the dramatic conventions of the late eighteenth-century Japanese stage. By stripping away unnecessary detail, he directs the viewer to the raw emotion of the performance. This print is a representative example of his ability to translate the fleeting nature of a theatrical moment into a permanent visual record. The clarity of the line work and the deliberate placement of the figures demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of composition within the constraints of the woodblock medium.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58518949822799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518949888335,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58518949986639,"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":58518950019407,"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":58518950084943,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Segawa-Tomisabur-II-and-Nakamura-Manyo-as-Yadorigi-and-Her-Maid-Wakakusa-in-the-Play-Hana-Ayame-Bunroku-Soga_Poster_CompositorV1_1786469888240.jpg?v=1787151712"},{"product_id":"bando-hikosaburo-iii-as-sagisaka-sanai-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Bandō Hikosaburō III as Sagisaka Sanai - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Bandō Hikosaburō III with intense, expressive detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Bandō Hikosaburō III in the role of Sagisaka Sanai. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, ten-month period during which Sharaku was active as a printmaker. The artist is known for his unconventional approach to portraiture, which often favoured psychological intensity over the idealised features common in contemporary ukiyo-e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is an ōkubi-e, or large-head portrait, which focuses the viewer's attention on the actor's facial expression and posture. Sharaku employs a distinctive style, using exaggerated lines to capture the specific character of the performer. The actor is shown holding a lantern, his gaze directed away from the viewer with a stern, concentrated expression. The use of a mica-dusted background, a technique known as kira-e, provides a subtle, metallic sheen that adds depth to the flat, graphic presentation of the figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work remains a subject of study due to the artist's mysterious identity and his departure from the standard aesthetic norms of the Edo period. His prints do not seek to flatter the subject, but rather to document the raw energy of the kabuki stage. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones of plum, yellow, and grey to maintain focus on the actor's features and the stark lines of the lantern. This print captures a specific moment in the play Koinyōbō Somewake Tazuna, reflecting the intersection of theatre and visual art in eighteenth-century Japan.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519123165519,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519123231055,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519123329359,"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":58519123362127,"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":58519123427663,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Band-Hikosabur-III-as-Sagisaka-Sanai_Poster_CompositorV1_1786470276119.jpg?v=1787152458"},{"product_id":"nakayama-tomisaburo-as-miyagino-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Nakayama Tomisaburō as Miyagino - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Nakayama Tomisaburō with the artist's signature psychological intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Nakayama Tomisaburō in the role of Miyagino. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to the artist's brief but intense period of activity within the ukiyo-e tradition. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised portraits common to his contemporaries. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects, capturing the psychological intensity of the theatrical performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print is an ōkubi-e, or large-head portrait, which focuses the viewer's attention on the actor's visage. The composition is stark, set against a dark, mica-dusted background that provides a neutral space for the figure. The lines are precise and deliberate, defining the actor's features with a sense of gravity. The colour palette is restrained, relying on subtle tones of beige, soft red, and black to convey the texture of the costume and the actor's presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture remains distinct for its unflinching observation. By stripping away the decorative excess often found in other prints of the era, he directs the focus toward the actor's individual character. This print offers a glimpse into the Edo period theatre scene, where the fame of actors was tied to their ability to embody specific roles. The work is a representative example of the artist's technical skill and his unconventional aesthetic choices, which continue to be studied for their departure from the conventions of eighteenth-century Japanese printmaking.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519216816463,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519216881999,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519216980303,"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":58519217013071,"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":58519217078607,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Nakayama-Tomisabur-as-Miyagino_Poster_CompositorV1_1786470395274.jpg?v=1787152618"},{"product_id":"actor-ichikawa-yaozo-iii-as-a-courtesans-attendant-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Ichikawa Yaozo III as a Courtesan's Attendant - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the theatrical intensity of kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozo III.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozo III in the role of a courtesan's attendant. Active for only a brief period between 1794 and 1795, Sharaku produced a series of actor portraits that departed from the idealised conventions of his contemporaries. His work is noted for its psychological intensity and the exaggerated features of his subjects, which often captured the specific mannerisms of the actors on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents the figure in a dynamic pose, characteristic of the theatrical nature of the subject matter. The use of line is precise, defining the folds of the kimono and the facial expressions with clarity. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones that allow the graphic quality of the print to remain the primary focus. The inclusion of calligraphic inscriptions adds a layer of narrative context, identifying the actor and the specific performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture remains distinct within the ukiyo-e tradition. Rather than presenting a polished or flattering image, he focused on the raw energy of the performance. This print serves as a record of the kabuki theatre culture in Edo-period Japan, capturing a fleeting moment of stagecraft through the medium of the woodblock. The attention to textile patterns on the garments demonstrates the technical skill involved in the carving and printing process, where each colour required a separate block. The work is a representative example of the artist's short but highly productive career, during which he challenged the established norms of actor portraiture.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519304143183,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519335338319,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58519335371087,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519335403855,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519335436623,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519335469391,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519335502159,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519335534927,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519335567695,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519335600463,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58519335633231,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Ichikawa-Yaozo-III-as-a-Courtesan-s-Attendant_Poster_CompositorV1_1786471115202.jpg?v=1787153806"},{"product_id":"matsumoto-koshiro-iv-as-the-fish-peddler-gorobei-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Matsumoto Koshiro IV as the Fish Peddler Gorobei - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV with psychological intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV in the role of the fish peddler Gorobei. Produced in 1794, the work is a prime example of the artist's brief but intense career in the ukiyo-e genre. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to actor portraits, often favouring psychological intensity and exaggerated features over the idealised beauty common in contemporary prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the actor's upper body, set against a dark, mica-dusted background that creates a sense of depth and focus. The actor is shown in profile, holding a pipe, with his expression captured in a moment of quiet contemplation. The lines are precise and deliberate, defining the contours of the face and the folds of the patterned kimono. The blue and white grid pattern of the garment provides a geometric contrast to the organic curves of the figure's posture and facial features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work is distinct for its unflinching realism. Rather than presenting the actor as a flawless icon, he captures the specificities of the individual, including the lines around the eyes and the set of the mouth. This approach provides a glimpse into the theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan, where kabuki actors were celebrities and their performances were subjects of immense public interest. The print demonstrates a mastery of the woodblock medium, with clear registration of colours and a sophisticated use of negative space. It remains a significant example of the yakusha-e, or actor print, tradition, reflecting the technical skill and artistic vision that defined Sharaku's output during his short period of activity.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519432724815,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519432790351,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519432888655,"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":58519432921423,"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":58519432986959,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Matsumoto-Koshiro-IV-as-the-Fish-Peddler-Gorobei_Poster_CompositorV1_1786471508562.jpg?v=1787154552"},{"product_id":"iwai-hanshiro-iv-as-shigenoi-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Iwai Hanshirō IV as Shigenoi - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Iwai Hanshirō IV in the role of Shigenoi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Iwai Hanshirō IV in the role of the nurse Shigenoi. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of actor portraits that defined Sharaku's brief but intense career in the ukiyo-e tradition. Unlike many of his contemporaries who idealised their subjects, Sharaku employed a distinct approach to characterisation. He exaggerated facial features and expressions to capture the specific energy of the actor on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is a close-up portrait, focusing on the actor's head and shoulders against a dark, mica-dusted background. This technique, known as 'kira-e', provides a metallic sheen that draws attention to the figure. The actor wears a patterned kimono with floral motifs, rendered in soft tones that contrast with the stark, bold lines of the face. The hair is styled in a traditional fashion, adorned with a comb, which frames the face and directs the viewer's gaze toward the actor's focused expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work is recognised for its psychological intensity. By stripping away unnecessary background detail, he forces an engagement with the subject's persona. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the Edo-period woodblock process, where multiple carved blocks were used to layer colour and texture. The lines are sharp and deliberate, reflecting the influence of the kabuki theatre's dramatic artifice. This print offers a glimpse into the popular culture of late 18th-century Japan, where actors were celebrities and their performances were documented with great care by artists like Sharaku. The print remains a primary source for understanding the aesthetic conventions of the period, as well as the specific performance styles of the kabuki 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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519477453135,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519477518671,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519477616975,"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":58519477649743,"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":58519477715279,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Iwai-Hanshir-IV-as-Shigenoi_Poster_CompositorV1_1786472049184.jpg?v=1787155381"},{"product_id":"osagawa-tsuneyo-ii-as-the-hairdresser-o-roku-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Osagawa Tsuneyo II as the hairdresser O-Roku - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku featuring the kabuki actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II in the role of the hairdresser O-Roku.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Osagawa Tsuneyo II in the role of the hairdresser O-Roku. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief but intense period of activity for the artist, who created approximately 140 prints within a ten-month span. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to the actor portrait, often exaggerating facial features to capture the specific energy of a performance rather than an idealised likeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this composition, the actor is shown in a standing pose, holding a cloth to their mouth. The figure is set against a simple shoji screen, which provides a neutral backdrop that directs attention to the actor's posture and the pattern of the kimono. The lines are precise and controlled, typical of the ukiyo-e tradition, yet the psychological tension in the expression departs from the standard conventions of the era. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones of brown, black, and soft ochre, which allows the graphic quality of the striped garment to dominate the visual field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work was often met with mixed reactions from contemporary audiences who were accustomed to the more flattering depictions common in the prints of the time. However, his ability to convey character through subtle shifts in expression and body language has earned him a distinct position in the history of Japanese printmaking. This print offers a glimpse into the theatrical culture of the Edo period, capturing a specific moment from a stage production with a focus on the actor's individual presence. The print retains the original publisher's marks and the artist's signature, providing a clear link to the production methods of the late eighteenth century.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519470735695,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519470801231,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519470899535,"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":58519470932303,"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":58519470997839,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Osagawa-Tsuneyo-II-as-the-hairdresser-O-Roku_Poster_CompositorV1_1786471856349.jpg?v=1787155513"},{"product_id":"ichikawa-ebizo-iv-as-takemura-sadanojo-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Ichikawa Ebizō IV as Takemura Sadanojō - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV with characteristic expressive intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV in the role of Takemura Sadanojō. 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 common in the ukiyo-e genre of the period. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the physical features and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe print captures the actor with a distinct, sharp profile and a focused gaze. The use of a mica background, known as 'kira-e', provides a metallic, shimmering surface that draws attention to the figure. The actor wears a red kimono with geometric patterns, which contrasts against the muted grey of the background. The lines are deliberate and bold, defining the contours of the face and the folds of the costume with precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture was unconventional for the Edo period. By focusing on the psychological intensity of the performance rather than mere likeness, he created images that possess a raw, immediate quality. The print serves as a record of the theatrical culture of late 18th-century Japan, documenting both the specific actors of the time and the stylistic innovations of the artist. The composition is tight, focusing entirely on the upper body of the actor to ensure the viewer engages directly with the character's expression. This print remains a primary example of the artist's ability to distil the essence of a stage persona into a single, graphic 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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519502782799,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519502848335,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519502946639,"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":58519502979407,"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":58519503044943,"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-Sadanoj-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786472291711.jpg?v=1787156195"},{"product_id":"ichikawa-omezo-as-tomita-hyotaro-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Ichikawa Omezō as Tomita Hyōtarō - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Omezō in a moment of dramatic intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Omezō in the role of Tomita Hyōtarō. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of actor portraits that defined Sharaku's brief but intense career in the Edo period. The artist is known for his departure from the idealised depictions of actors common in the ukiyo-e genre of the time. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects.\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 the theatrical environment. The actor's posture, with his hands splayed and his head turned in profile, conveys a moment of dramatic tension. The lines defining the jaw, nose, and brow are sharp and deliberate, reflecting the artist's interest in the psychological state of the performer rather than a mere likeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of earthy tones, black, and subtle red accents around the eyes. This economy of colour directs the viewer's attention to the actor's intense gaze and the specific gestures of his hands. The print captures the essence of the kabuki performance, where physical movement and facial expression communicate the narrative to the audience. As a piece of historical documentation, it provides insight into the theatrical culture of late 18th-century Japan. The print remains a subject of study for its departure from traditional aesthetic norms and its direct approach to portraiture.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519509041487,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519509107023,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519509205327,"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":58519509238095,"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":58519509303631,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Ichikawa-Omez-as-Tomita-Hy-tar-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786472528804.jpg?v=1787156379"},{"product_id":"onoe-matsusuke-i-as-matsushita-mikinojo-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Onoe Matsusuke I as Matsushita Mikinojō - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Onoe Matsusuke I in a dramatic kabuki role with characteristic graphic precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke I in the role of Matsushita Mikinojō. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a series of actor portraits that defined Sharaku's brief but active career in the Edo period. The artist is known for his unconventional approach to portraiture, which often exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects to capture the intensity of their stage performances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the actor's posture and the elaborate details of his costume. Sharaku employs clean, precise lines to define the folds of the kimono and the specific patterns of the fabric. A circular emblem featuring a dragon motif sits prominently on the actor's garment, providing a contrast to the geometric patterns elsewhere. The figure is set against a plain background, a common technique in Sharaku's work that directs the viewer's attention entirely to the actor's presence and characterisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's prints are noted for their departure from the idealised beauty often found in contemporary ukiyo-e. Instead, he presents a raw, psychological dimension to the theatre world. The print uses a limited palette, relying on subtle tones to maintain focus on the graphic quality of the design. This piece offers a glimpse into the theatrical culture of 18th-century Japan, where the fame of kabuki actors was immortalised through such mass-produced prints. The work remains a primary source for understanding the aesthetic priorities of the period and the specific stylistic innovations introduced by Sharaku during his short tenure as a 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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519565795663,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519565861199,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519565959503,"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":58519565992271,"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":58519566057807,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Onoe-Matsusuke-I-as-Matsushita-Mikinoj-_Poster_CompositorV1_1786472770532.jpg?v=1787157108"},{"product_id":"actor-sakakiyama-sangoro-ii-as-michinagas-daughter-princess-otae-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Actor Sakakiyama Sangoro II as Michinaga's Daughter Princess Otae - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Sakakiyama Sangoro II in a character role with the artist's signature expressive style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Sakakiyama Sangoro II in the role of Princess Otae, the daughter of Michinaga. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief but intense period of activity for the artist, who created approximately 140 prints within a ten-month span. Sharaku is recognised for his departure from the idealised portraits common in the ukiyo-e tradition of the late eighteenth century. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the facial features and expressions of his subjects, providing a psychological depth that was unusual for the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor in a standing pose, draped in a kimono decorated with a repeating fan motif. The lines are precise and controlled, defining the folds of the fabric and the actor's posture. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft ochres, muted reds, and black ink to create a balanced visual effect. The background is kept minimal, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the theatrical persona of the actor. The print captures a specific moment of performance, reflecting the transient nature of the kabuki theatre culture in Edo-period Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture often provoked mixed reactions among his contemporaries, as his unflinching observation of the actors' features contrasted with the more flattering depictions produced by other artists of the time. This print serves as a clear example of his technical skill and his commitment to capturing the essence of the performer. The work is printed on paper using traditional woodblock techniques, ensuring that the fine lines and subtle colour transitions are preserved. It remains a significant example of the actor print genre, offering a glimpse into the aesthetic values and theatrical traditions of the late Edo period.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519573037391,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519573102927,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519573201231,"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":58519573233999,"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":58519573299535,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Actor-Sakakiyama-Sangoro-II-as-Michinaga-s-Daughter-Princess-Otae_Poster_CompositorV1_1786473037668.jpg?v=1787157501"},{"product_id":"sawamura-sojuro-iii-as-nagoya-sanza-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Sawamura Sojuro III as Nagoya Sanza - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro III with characteristic psychological realism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro III in the role of Nagoya Sanza. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, intense period of activity during which Sharaku created a series of actor portraits that departed from the idealised conventions of his contemporaries. Instead of smoothing over the features of his subjects, Sharaku employed a degree of psychological realism, capturing the specific expressions and physical mannerisms of the performers on the Edo stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is defined by the actor's posture, which conveys a sense of controlled energy. He is dressed in a dark kimono adorned with a subtle floral pattern, contrasting against the flat, mica-dusted yellow background typical of the period. The artist uses bold, clean lines to delineate the folds of the fabric and the sharp angles of the actor's stance. The inclusion of the fan and the swords serves to identify the character's status and role within the narrative of the play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture remains distinct within the Ukiyo-e tradition. By focusing on the individual characteristics of the actor rather than a generic representation of beauty, he provided a record of the theatrical culture of the late eighteenth century. The print demonstrates a mastery of the woodblock medium, with precise registration and a limited, effective colour palette that directs attention to the actor's face and posture. This piece offers a direct view into the aesthetic priorities of the Edo period, where the theatre and its performers occupied a central position in urban life. The work is a clear example of the artist's ability to synthesise theatrical drama with graphic design, resulting in a composition that balances narrative detail with formal clarity.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519605477711,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519605543247,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519605641551,"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":58519605674319,"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":58519605739855,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Sawamura-Sojuro-III-as-Nagoya-Sanza_Poster_CompositorV1_1786473272251.jpg?v=1787157675"},{"product_id":"kabuki-actor-ichikawa-komazo-iii-as-shiga-daishichi-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Komazō III as Shiga Daishichi - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Ichikawa Komazō III with characteristic psychological intensity and bold line work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Komazō III in the role of Shiga Daishichi. 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 common in the ukiyo-e genre of the period. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the physical features and psychological intensity of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the upper torso and head of the actor, set against a dark, mica-dusted background. The artist uses bold, clean lines to define the actor's profile, particularly the prominent nose and the set of the jaw. The red pigment around the eyes provides a sharp contrast to the neutral tones of the face and the dark kimono. The actor's hand, clutching the hilt of a sword, is rendered with a deliberate economy of line that suggests tension and readiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture was unconventional for the Edo period. By focusing on the specific mannerisms and facial structure of the individual actor rather than a generic mask-like beauty, he captured a sense of the performer's personality. This print is a representative example of his work during the ten-month period in which he was active. The inclusion of the actor's name and the play title within the print provides clear identification of the subject. The work remains a primary example of the expressive potential of the woodblock medium, demonstrating how minimal colour and precise line work can convey complex characterisation.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519699882319,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519699947855,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519700046159,"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":58519700078927,"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":58519700144463,"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-Ichikawa-Komaz-III-as-Shiga-Daishichi_Poster_CompositorV1_1786473729051.jpg?v=1787158592"},{"product_id":"ichikawa-danjuro-vi-as-funa-bansaku-son-of-fuwa-banzayemon-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Ichikawa Danjuro VI as Funa Bansaku, son of Fuwa Banzayemon - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku featuring the kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro VI in a character role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro VI in the role of Funa Bansaku. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief but intense period of activity for the artist, who created approximately 140 portraits of kabuki actors within a single year. 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 physical traits and psychological intensity of the performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents the actor in a standing posture, wearing a patterned kimono with a prominent leaf-like motif. The figure holds a sword, a common prop in the dramatic narratives of the kabuki theatre. The artist uses bold, confident lines to define the actor's features, particularly the nose and the set of the mouth, which contribute to the character's stern expression. The background is a flat, neutral tone, which directs the viewer's attention entirely to the figure and his elaborate costume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's approach to portraiture often involved a degree of caricature, which allowed him to capture the essence of the actor's stage persona. This print demonstrates his ability to balance decorative elements, such as the repeating patterns on the garment, with the stark realism of the facial features. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of muted ochre, soft red, and black ink to create a sense of balance. This print remains a significant example of the actor-print tradition, documenting the theatrical culture of the Edo period through a lens that prioritised individual characterisation over conventional beauty.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519775773007,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519775838543,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519775936847,"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":58519775969615,"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":58519776035151,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Ichikawa-Danjuro-VI-as-Funa-Bansaku-son-of-Fuwa-Banzayemon_Poster_CompositorV1_1786474328907.jpg?v=1787159545"},{"product_id":"morita-kanya-viii-as-kawachi-kanja-disguised-as-genkaibo-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Morita Kanya VIII as Kawachi Kanja, Disguised as Genkaibo - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Morita Kanya VIII in a moment of dramatic tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Morita Kanya VIII in the role of Kawachi Kanja, who is disguised as the monk Genkaibo. Produced in 1794, this work belongs to the brief but intense period of Sharaku's career, during which he created a series of actor portraits that departed from the idealised conventions of his contemporaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku focuses on the psychological state of the character rather than a flattering likeness. The actor is shown in a moment of tension, clutching a small pouch in his teeth while his hand rests on the hilt of his sword. The composition is stark, utilising a mica background that provides a subtle, metallic sheen, typical of the high-quality prints commissioned by the publisher Tsutaya Jūzaburō. The lines are sharp and deliberate, capturing the specific facial features and the dramatic posture of the performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike other ukiyo-e artists who often smoothed over the physical idiosyncrasies of their subjects, Sharaku emphasised the exaggerated expressions and angularity of the kabuki stage. This approach provides a direct view into the aesthetic of the Edo period theatre, where the artifice of the performance was central to the audience experience. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the woodblock medium, with clear registration of the colours and a balanced distribution of black ink across the figure's robes and the background elements. This piece remains a primary example of the artist's ability to distil the energy of a theatrical performance into a static, two-dimensional format.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/products\/a-branch-of-plum-umegoe-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;\"\u003eA Branch of Plum (Umegoe) - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519823515983,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519823581519,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519823679823,"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":58519823712591,"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":58519823778127,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Morita-Kanya-VIII-as-Kawachi-Kanja-Disguised-as-Genkaibo_Poster_CompositorV1_1786474690478.jpg?v=1787160017"},{"product_id":"sawamura-yodogoro-ii-and-bando-zenji-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Sawamura Yodogorō II and Bandō Zenji - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the intense expressions of kabuki actors Sawamura Yodogorō II and Bandō Zenji.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts two kabuki actors, Sawamura Yodogorō II and Bandō Zenji, in their respective roles as Kawatsura Hōgen and Onisadobō. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to the genre of yakusha-e, or actor prints, which were popular in Edo-period Japan. 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 performances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition focuses on the upper bodies of the two figures. The actor on the right, Sawamura Yodogorō II, looms over the figure of Bandō Zenji, who is positioned slightly lower in the frame. Sharaku employs a mica background, a technique that provides a shimmering, metallic surface, which directs the viewer's attention to the actors. The lines are bold and deliberate, defining the contours of the faces and the elaborate patterns of the costumes. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones of ochre, black, and red to convey the dramatic atmosphere of the theatre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many of his contemporaries who idealised their subjects, Sharaku chose to present the actors with a raw, almost grotesque quality. This approach provides a direct look at the theatricality of kabuki, where exaggerated gestures and facial expressions were essential for communicating emotion to the audience. The print serves as a record of a specific performance, capturing the tension between the two characters. The precise placement of the figures creates a sense of immediate interaction, as if the viewer is witnessing a moment of conflict on the stage. This print remains a significant example of the artist's brief but highly productive career in the printmaking industry of late 18th-century Japan.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/products\/a-branch-of-plum-umegoe-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;\"\u003eA Branch of Plum (Umegoe) - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58519827841359,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519827906895,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58519828005199,"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":58519828037967,"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":58519828103503,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Sawamura-Yodogor-II-and-Band-Zenji_Poster_CompositorV1_1786474568999.jpg?v=1787160093"},{"product_id":"the-actor-sawamura-sojuro-iii-toshusai-sharaku","title":"The Actor Sawamura Sojuro III - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the theatrical intensity of kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro III against a mica background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Sawamura Sojuro III. Produced during the Edo period, the work captures the specific theatricality of the kabuki stage. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to portraiture, often exaggerating facial features to convey the psychological intensity of the performer rather than a strictly idealised likeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features a standing figure positioned behind a seated actor. The standing figure wears a kimono decorated with a geometric pattern, while the seated actor is dressed in a dark garment adorned with cherry blossom motifs. The use of a mica background, a technique known as kirazuri, provides a metallic sheen that separates the subjects from the surrounding space. This choice of background was a hallmark of high-quality ukiyo-e prints, intended to add a sense of luxury and depth to the scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku was active for a very brief period, roughly ten months in 1794 and 1795. Despite this short career, his prints remain some of the most recognisable examples of the ukiyo-e genre. His work deviates from the standard aesthetic of his contemporaries, who often prioritised grace and beauty. Instead, Sharaku focused on the raw, sometimes grotesque, reality of the actor's expression. This print demonstrates his ability to balance complex textile patterns with the stark, focused gaze of his subjects. The lines are precise, defining the folds of the fabric and the contours of the faces with clarity. The colour palette is restrained, relying on deep blacks, muted reds, and greens to create a sense of balance against the shimmering grey background. This print offers a glimpse into the world of 18th-century Japanese theatre, documenting the performers who defined the cultural life of Edo.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/products\/a-branch-of-plum-umegoe-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;\"\u003eA Branch of Plum (Umegoe) - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520120951119,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520121016655,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520121114959,"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":58520121147727,"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":58520121213263,"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-Sawamura-Sojuro-III_Poster_CompositorV1_1786474935710.jpg?v=1787160574"},{"product_id":"the-actor-ichikawa-yaozo-iii-toshusai-sharaku","title":"The Actor Ichikawa Yaozō III - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the dramatic intensity of kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozō III.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Ichikawa Yaozō III. Sharaku is known for his brief but intense period of activity in the mid-1790s, during which he produced a series of actor portraits that departed from the idealised depictions common in the ukiyo-e genre. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that emphasised the specific, often exaggerated, facial features and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features two figures. The seated actor is dressed in a patterned kimono with a red outer garment, his hand resting upon the hilt of a sword. Behind him stands a second figure, captured in a moment of tension. The use of a mica background, or kirazuri, provides a shimmering, metallic surface that elevates the print beyond standard commercial production. The lines are sharp and deliberate, defining the folds of the garments and the distinct contours of the actors' faces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work is characterised by this psychological intensity. Rather than presenting a generic mask of a character, he captures the actor in a specific pose, often mid-performance. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the Edo-period woodblock process, with clear registration of the various colour blocks. The colour palette is restrained, relying on deep reds, greys, and muted tones to focus the viewer's attention on the dramatic interaction between the two figures. This print is a representative example of the yakusha-e, or actor print, which formed a significant portion of the output of the ukiyo-e school during the late eighteenth century. It offers a glimpse into the theatrical culture of the period, where the popularity of kabuki actors drove a demand for high-quality, mass-produced imagery.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520225022287,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520225087823,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520225186127,"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":58520225218895,"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":58520225284431,"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-Ichikawa-Yaoz-III_Poster_CompositorV1_1786475534034.jpg?v=1787161923"},{"product_id":"bando-mitsugoro-ii-as-the-farmer-asakusa-no-jirosaku-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Bandō Mitsugorō II as the Farmer Asakusa no Jirōsaku - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku portraying the kabuki actor Bandō Mitsugorō II in a character role, noted for its expressive and unconventional style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Bandō Mitsugorō II in the role of the farmer Asakusa no Jirōsaku. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to a brief, intense period of activity for the artist, who created approximately 140 portraits of actors during his ten-month career. Sharaku is known for his departure from the idealised portrayals common in the ukiyo-e genre of the Edo period. Instead, he employed a style of caricature that exaggerated the physical features and expressions of his subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features the actor in a three-quarter view, his body angled to suggest movement. He wears a simple, dark red garment with a straw bundle slung over his shoulders, indicating his character's rural occupation. The artist uses bold, confident lines to define the folds of the clothing and the contours of the face. The facial expression is particularly notable, capturing a sense of psychological tension that was unconventional for the time. The background is a flat, neutral tone, which directs the viewer's attention entirely to the figure of the actor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's prints were published by Tsutaya Jūzaburō, a prominent figure in the Edo publishing world. While these works were not universally appreciated by contemporary audiences who preferred more flattering depictions of actors, they are now recognised for their technical skill and psychological insight. This print is a characteristic example of the artist's focus on the individual personality of the performer rather than the character alone. The use of colour is restrained, relying on the contrast between the red of the costume and the muted background to create a balanced visual effect. This piece provides a clear view into the aesthetic priorities of the late eighteenth-century Japanese theatre scene.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/products\/a-branch-of-plum-umegoe-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;\"\u003eA Branch of Plum (Umegoe) - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520237965647,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520238031183,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520238129487,"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":58520238162255,"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":58520238227791,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Band-Mitsugor-II-as-the-Farmer-Asakusa-no-Jir-saku_Poster_CompositorV1_1786475888074.jpg?v=1787162126"},{"product_id":"kabuki-actor-morita-kan-ya-viii-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Kabuki Actor Morita Kan’ya VIII - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock portrait by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the actor Morita Kan’ya VIII with the dramatic intensity characteristic of Edo-period kabuki prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku depicts the kabuki actor Morita Kan’ya VIII in his role as a palanquin-bearer. Produced in 1794, the work belongs to the genre of ōkubi-e, or large-head portraits, which focus on the expressive features of performers. Sharaku is known for his unconventional approach to portraiture, often exaggerating the facial characteristics of his subjects to capture the intensity of their stage personas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actor is shown in profile, his gaze directed away from the viewer. The artist employs a stark, dark mica background, which serves to isolate the figure and draw attention to the actor's features. The lines defining the jaw, nose, and eyes are deliberate and sharp, reflecting the dramatic nature of the kabuki theatre. The costume is rendered with a repeating pattern, providing a visual contrast to the smooth, pale skin of the actor. The use of colour is restrained, relying on a palette of muted greys, soft reds, and off-white tones to maintain a focus on the psychological presence of the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku was active for only a brief period, yet his prints remain significant examples of Edo-period graphic art. His work departs from the idealised beauty often found in contemporary prints, opting instead for a raw, unflinching observation of the actor. This print demonstrates the artist's ability to convey character through minimal gesture and precise line work. The composition is balanced, with the figure occupying the majority of the frame, creating a sense of immediacy. As a piece of historical documentation, it offers insight into the theatrical culture of late 18th-century Japan and the specific aesthetic preferences of the urban population in Edo.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520229708111,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520229773647,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520229871951,"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":58520229904719,"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":58520229970255,"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-Morita-Kan-ya-VIII_Poster_CompositorV1_1786475675910.jpg?v=1787162128"},{"product_id":"ichikawa-ebizo-iv-in-the-role-of-takemura-sadanoshin-toshusai-sharaku","title":"Ichikawa Ebizō IV in the role of Takemura Sadanoshin - Tōshūsai Sharaku","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 1794 woodblock print by Tōshūsai Sharaku, capturing the kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō IV with bold lines and expressive characterisation.\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 an artist. His approach to the kabuki portrait differs from the idealised depictions common to the era. Instead, he employs a style of caricature that emphasises the unique physical traits and psychological intensity of the performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is a close-up, focusing on the actor's profile. The lines are bold and deliberate, capturing the tension in the facial muscles and the specific expression required by the dramatic role. The background is a mica-dusted grey, a technique that provides a subtle, metallic sheen and draws the viewer's attention to the figure. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted tones of red and beige to define the costume, which allows the stark contrast of the black ink to dominate the visual field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharaku's work is noted for its departure from the standard conventions of ukiyo-e portraiture. Rather than smoothing over the features of the actor, he highlights the angularity of the jaw, the curve of the nose, and the sharp arch of the eyebrows. This print captures a specific moment of performance, reflecting the actor's concentration and the theatricality of the kabuki stage. The print serves as a record of a fleeting performance, preserved through the medium of the woodblock. It remains a significant example of the artist's ability to convey character through minimal, graphic means, prioritising the raw energy of the subject over decorative refinement.\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=\"\/en-nz\/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=\"\/en-nz\/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":"Tōshūsai Sharaku","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58520291934543,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520292000079,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58520292098383,"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":58520292131151,"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":58520292196687,"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-in-the-role-of-Takemura-Sadanoshin_Poster_CompositorV1_1786476132284.jpg?v=1787162825"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/en-nz\/collections\/toshusai-sharaku.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}