"Kagokaki Uguisu no Jirosaku portrayed by Morita Kan'ya VIII" by Sharaku

Signature: Toshusai Syaraku
Date:　1968
Condition: Good impression, vibrant colors, faint soiling, small thinned area, 
Japanese Woodblock Print,
Size: Print (31 x 21 cm), Backing sheet (41.5 x 30 cm)

All artworks are sold as seen on the picture.


This picture depicts the character Jirosaku, played by Morita Kan'ya VIII, in the dance performance "Hanaayame Omoino Kanzashi," which was staged during the "Katakiuchi Noriaibanashi" performance at the Kiriza theater in May of the sixth year of Kansei.
The artwork vividly captures the precise posture and bold movements commonly seen in dance performances, conveying the moment when the character is perfectly poised.
As this is a dance performance, the costume is elaborate, and the lines are smooth. The flashy attire, dominating most of the canvas, enhances the effect of the dance scene. The relatively small depiction of Kan'ya's face demonstrates Sharaku's remarkable skill. Additionally, the background of black mica harmonizes effectively with the composition. The kimono features an indigo base with a clamshell pattern, while the lining displays a chaotic pattern in gray, and the white highlights of the nōshi knots contrast with it. The hood is yellow. This color scheme, although more complex compared to other Sharaku pictures, is carefully balanced, with the strings of the undergarment at the neckline and cuffs intersecting seamlessly, leaving no room for additional colors. Furthermore, the impression of Kan'ya's sculpted cheeks, eyes, and mouth is striking and conveys the characteristic intensity found in Sharaku's pictures.