Morita Kan'ya VIII as Kagokaki Uguisu no Jirosaku

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 print depicts Kagokaki Uguisu no Jirosaku, portrayed by Morita Kan'ya VIII, in the dance performance Hanaayame Omoi no Kanzashi, staged as part of the program Katakiuchi Noriaibanashi at the Kiriza Theater in May of the sixth year of Kansei (1794).

The composition vividly captures the precise posture and bold movement characteristic of kabuki dance, freezing the performer at a moment of perfect balance. Because this is a dance role, the costume is especially elaborate, and the flowing lines of the figure enhance the sense of rhythm. The flamboyant attire dominates the surface of the print, intensifying the theatrical presence of the scene, while the relatively small depiction of Kan'ya’s face demonstrates Sharaku’s control over proportion and dramatic focus.

The black mica background harmonizes powerfully with the composition. The kimono features an indigo ground with clamshell motifs, contrasted by a gray, densely patterned lining. The white highlights of the nōshi knots create sharp accents, while the yellow hood adds visual brightness. Although the color scheme is more complex than in many of Sharaku’s other works, it is carefully balanced. The cords of the undergarment intersect at the neckline and cuffs with deliberate precision, leaving no space for unnecessary color. Kan'ya’s sculpted cheeks, intense eyes, and firmly defined mouth embody the distinctive psychological force that defines Sharaku’s actor portraits.

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.
Faint soiling and small thinned area consistent with age.

Details

Signature: Toshusai Sharaku
Date: 1968
Japanese Woodblock Print
Print size: 31 x 21 cm
Backing sheet: 41.5 x 30 cm

All artworks are sold as shown in the photographs.

About the Sharaku Series

Tōshūsai 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.