Sharaku Woodblock Prints, Complete Portfolio of 6 Prints

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The 6 images presented here are beautiful reproductions of the original woodblock prints by Toshusai Sharaku, most of which reside … Read more The 6 images presented here are beautiful reproductions of the original woodblock prints by Toshusai Sharaku, most of which reside in museums. They are in excellent condition with deep, rich colors and are in the original portfolio.

Toshusai Sharaku popped into the ukiyo-e printmaking scene in May 1794 and produced some 140 woodblock prints within only ten months, from about May 1794 until around February 1795 - and then he disappeared suddenly and mysteriously. Numerous theories were developed and countless books were written trying to give an answer to one of the biggest enigmas in art history.

Nearly all Sharaku prints show Kabuki actors - either as individual portraits or two performing characters. A few Sharaku prints show Sumo wrestlers. The best known woodblock prints are facial close-ups of actors. The expressions of the actors are extremely vigorous and exaggerated - close to caricatures. The Sharaku prints seem like a snap-shot catching the character, the mood and momentary emotions of the actor.

Nothing is known about the birth or death of Toshusai Sharaku. One theory about his identity says that Sharakuhe was a No actor named Saito Jurobei and a retainer of the daimyo of Awa. See less