Busteportret van Ichikawa Ebizo IV

About this artwork

kleurenhoutsnede; lijnblok in zwart met kleurblokken; mica

Art Historical Context

This striking bust portrait captures the renowned kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo IV in a moment of intense expression, created by the enigmatic Japanese artist Toshusai Shu in 1794 Sharaku produced his entire body of work—primarily actor portraits—during a brief ten-month period, making this nishiki-e print a rare survivor from one of ukiyo-e’s most celebrated yet mysterious talents. His images were prized for their psychological depth, often emphasizing the dramatic tension and individuality of performers rather than idealized beauty. The work employs the nishiki-e technique, a full-color woodblock process using separate blocks for each hue, with an additional application of mica to create a shimmering, reflective background. This luxurious detail heightens the theatrical presence of the figure, whose bold features and piercing gaze convey the power of live kabuki performance. Measuring roughly 38 by 24 centimeters, the print exemplifies the late Edo period’s fascination with celebrity and the floating world. Sharaku’s portraits remain significant for bridging popular entertainment and high artistic achievement, offering modern viewers a vivid glimpse into Japan’s vibrant theater culture of the 1790s.