Reproduction of the 18th c. Japanese woodblock print titled "Actor Ichikawa Ebizō as Takemura Sadanoshin" by Tōshūsai Sharaku.
Artwork Details
Medium
Paper, Ink
Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Tōshūsai Sharaku
Attribution
After
Role
Artist
Notes
Edo Period
Interpretative Labels
Label
Sharaku’s prints of kabuki actors depict them in specific iconic poses, when the actors dramatically froze in scenes of great intensity and drama. This print represents a moment in the play The Colored Reigns of a Loving Wife. Ebizō’s character, the samurai Takemura Sadanoshin, is experiencing extreme emotional conflict and commits seppuku (ritualistic suicide by sword) shortly after the depicted scene. Portraits of actors with large heads are a trademark of Sharaku’s distinctive style. He was only active for a year between 1794 and 1795 but made close to 150 prints during that time. When compared to the other prints in the exhibition, the metallic background stands out. In authentic Edo-era woodblock prints, this silver color would have been made with crushed mica.
