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Sharaku

  • Image of "The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo in the Role of Takemura Sadanoshin, By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794 (Important Cultural Property)"

    The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo in the Role of Takemura Sadanoshin, By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794 (Important Cultural Property)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 10
    November 7, 2006 (Tue) - December 6, 2006 (Wed)

    Toshusai Sharaku produced over 140 woodblock prints of Kabuki actors for over ten months starting from May, 1794. He then disappeared without a trace. The mysterious behaviour of Sharaku has led to much debate about his identity, including theories that he was a famous artist using a pseudonym. Recently, experts have accepted the prevalent opinion that he was Saito Jurobei, a Noh actor from Awa province.

    Sharaku's exaggerated expressions were described by his contemporary critics as, "His portraits became bizarre because he tried too hard to make them realistic. Therefore, his artistic spirit consumed him in ten months."

    The original publisher of the prints was cultural figure Tsutaya Juzaburo. This display includes 20 of the total of 28 works from the first of four series, which are regarded as the most gorgeous and unique.

 Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
 The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo in the Role of Takemura Sadanoshin, By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794(Important Cultural Property)
Actor Otani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei, By Toshusai Sharaku, Edo period, dated 1794 (Important Cultural Property)
Exhibitions