Busteportret van Ichikawa Ebizo IV
Toshusai Sharaku
1794
Medium
nishiki-e
Dimensions
379; 241
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 woodb...