Busteportret van Arashi Ryuzo
Toshusai Sharaku
1794
Medium
nishiki-e
Dimensions
349; 243
About this artwork
height 349 mm x width 243 mm
Art Historical Context
Created in 1794 during Japan’s Edo period, this nishiki-e print by Toshusai Sharaku captures the kabuki actor Arashi Ryuzo in a striking bust portrait. Sharaku produced his entire known body of work in just ten months, specializing in expressive depictions of actors from the popular kabuki theater. These portraits were highly sought after by theatergoers, who collected them as souvenirs of favorite performances. The medium of nishiki-e, or “brocade pictures,” allowed for vibrant, multi-colored woodblock printing that brought dynamic energy to the actor’s costume and facial expression. Sharaku...