Tomita Heitarō as Ichikawa Omezō

Scholarly Notes on This Ukiyo-e Print

This description is based on the original scholarly notes supervised by Yoshida Eiji, a leading authority on ukiyo e research and Sharaku studies, included with this print.

Each artwork is accompanied by a thin sheet of Japanese washi paper containing academic commentary in Japanese. For international collectors, we provide here a faithful English translation as part of the artwork’s documentation.

Artwork Description

This work depicts Tomita Heitaro in the role of Ichikawa Omezō from the play Nihonmatsu Michinoku Sodachi, performed at the Kawarazaki Theater in July 1794. Sharaku captures the actor in a charged dramatic moment rendered in a narrow vertical format.

In this scene, Heitaro rushes to the site where his father Sukedayu has been murdered by Kawashima Jibugoro. Holding a lantern and placing his hand on his sword, he confronts the killer in a tense nocturnal encounter. The unstable atmosphere of the night heightens the psychological intensity of the performance.

At first glance the composition may appear restrained, yet it reveals Sharaku’s acute observational skill. The subtle harmony of light purple kimono and dark green hakama against a muted grey ground enhances the drama. The signature Toshusai Sharaku signals the artist’s full authorship and underscores the refinement achieved even within the narrow format print.

Edition

1968 woodblock reprint
Hand printed using traditional techniques

This is a mid 20th century reprint after Sharaku’s original 1794 design.

Condition

Good impression with vibrant colors.
Minor age related spots consistent with its age.

Details

Signature: Toshusai Sharaku
Date: 1968
Japanese Woodblock Print
Print size: 30 x 15 cm
Backing sheet: 41.5 x 30 cm

All artworks are sold as shown in the photographs.

About the Sharaku Series

Toshusai Sharaku was active for only ten months between 1794 and 1795. During this brief period, he created actor portraits that broke dramatically from convention.

Rather than idealizing his subjects, Sharaku revealed the psychological intensity of kabuki performance through bold composition and uncompromising vision.

This series presents carefully selected mid 20th century woodblock reprints, printed by hand using traditional methods, offering a renewed encounter with Sharaku’s revolutionary work.