市川鰕蔵の竹村定之進|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Ebizō (Ichikawa Danjūrō V) in the play The Colored Reins of a Loving Wife (Koi nyōbō somewake tazuna)

Art Historical Context

Behold the striking woodblock print *Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Ebizō (Ichikawa Danjūrō V) as Takemura Sadayūshin in The Colored Reins of a Loving Wife (Koi nyōbō somewake tazuna)*, created by the enigmatic Tōshūsai Sharaku in the 5th month of 1794. This Edo-period masterpiece (1615–1868) captures the superstar actor Ichikawa Danjūrō V, one of Kabuki's most revered talents, in a dynamic role from a popular drama. Measuring about 14¾ x 9⅝ inches, it's a fine example of *yakusha-e*—actor portraits that idolized theater luminaries as cultural icons. Sharaku, active for just a mysterious 10 months, revolutionized ukiyo-e printmaking with his bold, unflinching style. His prints feature exaggerated expressions, piercing gazes, and oversized heads that delve into the actors' psyches, blending realism with psychological depth. Here, ink and vibrant colors on paper with a shimmering mica ground enhance the theatrical drama, mimicking stage lighting and adding a luxurious, iridescent glow prized by collectors. In Japan's vibrant Kabuki world, such prints fueled fan frenzy, bridging art and entertainment. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund and Rogers Fund in 1949, this gem from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection invites you to step into Edo's floating world—where every glance reveals the soul of performance.

About the Artist

Tōshūsai Sharaku · 1794–1795

Tōshūsai Sharaku stands as one of the most enigmatic figures in Japanese art history, a ukiyo-e printmaker whose brilliant career blazed for just ten months from the summer of 1794 to early spring 1795. Active exclusively in Edo (modern Tokyo), he produced approximately 150 woodblock prints and sketches, primarily yakusha-e—intimate portraits of kabuki actors captured mid-performance. Published by...