"Segawa Tomisaburō II as Ogishi Kurando's Wife Yadorigi and Nakamura Manse as Koshimoto Wakakusa"

Among the works of the first period, the paired half-length portraits all exhibit a characteristic contrast in both color and character. In this picture as well, there is a contrast between the slender Tomisaburō and the plump Manse, as well as between Tomisaburō's relatively light coloring and Manse's rich palette. This balance brings stability to the composition.
Furthermore, there is a contrast between the nervous, angular features of Tomisaburō and the rounded, full cheeks of Manse, as well as in the depiction of their eyes and the direction of their hands. This juxtaposition creates a compelling and inevitable composition that captivates us. Sharaku's technique, although consistently employed in paired half-length portraits, never fails to enchant us. There is no room for error.
This picture depicts characters from the play 'Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga,' performed at the Toshizu Theater in May of the sixth year of Kansei.