Sharaku "The Actor Otani Oniji III as Edobei"

Sharaku Tōshūsai, The Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Edobei
This striking woodblock print by Sharaku Tōshūsai depicts the kabuki actor Ōtani Oniji III in the role of Edobei, a villainous servant. Created in 1794 during the Edo period, the portrait is one of Sharaku’s most celebrated works and a masterpiece of ukiyo-e actor prints.

With exaggerated facial expression and dramatically extended hands, Sharaku captures the intensity of kabuki performance and the larger-than-life presence of the actor on stage. The work exemplifies the bold and unconventional style that made Sharaku one of the most enigmatic yet influential figures in Japanese art.

東洲斎写楽「三代目大谷鬼次 江戸兵衛」

Print Size: H 15" × W 10" / H 38.2 cm × W 25.4 cm
Paper: Echizen Kizuki Hosho Washi made by Living National Treasure, Ichibei Iwano