Portret van acteur Matsumoto Kōshirō in rol

About this artwork

blad: hoogte 382 mm x breedte 252 mm

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of18th-century Japanese theater Toshusai Sharak *Portret van acteur Matsumoto Kōshirō in rol* (Portrait of Actor Matsumoto Kōō in Role), created 1794. This nishiki-e, or "brocade print," captures the kabuki star Matsumoto Kōshirō-performance, embodying the dramatic intensity of Edo-period stagecraft. Sharaku, a mysterious artist active for just two years, revolutionized yakusha-e (actor prints) with his bold, unflinching style—exaggerated facial features and piercing gazes that pierce the performer's mask to reveal raw emotion. Printed on woodblocks using intricate multi-color techniques, nishiki-e represents the zenith of ukiyo-e artistry, layering vivid pigments for a luxurious, tapestry-like effect. Measuring 382 mm by 252 mm—a standard ōban size—this sheet exemplifies the "floating world" (ukiyo) culture, where kabuki theater was a thrilling escape for urban audiences in Japan. Sharaku's brief oeuvre of around 150 prints, including this one, shocked contemporaries with their psychological depth, influencing later masters like Hokusai. Today, it offers a window into kabuki's cultural dominance, celebrating the artistry of performers like Kōshirō, whose roles blurred lines between actor and icon. A true gem of Japanese printmaking!