Art prints Tōshūsai Sharaku

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 stand out for 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 earns him posthumous recognition as one of the greatest ukiyo-e artists.

A rediscovered artist

After mysteriously disappearing from the art scene, Sharaku was rediscovered in the 19th century by European collectors fascinated by ukiyo-e. His work influences many modern artists, particularly in the Japonisme movement that captivates painters like Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Our collection

We offer you a selection of art prints of the iconic works of Sharaku, perfect for lovers of Japanese art and kabuki history. Each print respects the finesse and intensity of the original portraits, providing 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.