"The Wife of Takemura Sadanoshin, Sakuragi, played by Osagawa Tsuneyo II"

This art work depicts Sakuragi, portraying the role of Takemura Sadanoshin's wife in the play "Koinyōbō Somewake Tazuna," performed at the Kawarazaki Theater in May of the sixth year of Kansei.
The character of Tsuneyo, portrayed by Sakuragi, excels in expressing sorrow and is described as lacking in flamboyance, with a ratio of "six parts reality to four parts beauty." Despite this, she was regarded as a skilled actress alongside famous female performers of the time such as Segawa Kikunojyō and Iwai Hanshiro.
In this artwork, Sakuragi's portrayal effectively captures the essence of Tsuneyo's performance style, embodying the essence of Sharaku's actor portraits. The stiffness in facial expression, the contrast between the subdued green and the light crimson of the kimono, and the prominent white collar all convey a sense of melancholy, vividly reflecting the emotions of a wife who is left behind after her husband's seppuku. Although seemingly modest, this piece is considered one of the most important works for understanding Sharaku's artistry.