Tōshūsai Sharaku: The mystery of the master of ukiyo-e
Biography
Tōshūsai Sharaku is a Japanese artist active between 1794 and 1795, known for his ukiyo-e prints depicting kabuki actors. Sharaku's identity remains a mystery, and his work, although brief, marks a revolution in Japanese portrait art. His bold and expressive style, characterized by stylized faces and exaggerated expressions, contrasts with the conventions of the time.
Style and influence
Sharaku's prints are distinguished by their striking realism and their ability to capture the psychology of kabuki actors. Unlike his contemporaries who favored idealization, Sharaku highlights the distinctive and sometimes caricatured features of his subjects. This unique approach earned him posthumous recognition as one of the greatest ukiyo-e artists.
A rediscovered artist
After mysteriously disappearing from the artistic scene, Sharaku was rediscovered in the 19th century by European collectors fascinated by ukiyo-e. His work influenced many modern artists, notably in the Japonisme movement that captivated painters such as Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Our collection
We offer you a selection of art prints of Sharaku's iconic works, perfect for lovers of Japanese art and kabuki history. Each print respects the finesse and intensity of the original portraits, offering an immersion into the fascinating world of Japanese theater.
Dive into the enigmatic art of Tōshūsai Sharaku and rediscover one of the most intriguing figures of ukiyo-e.