Artwork

東洲斎写楽画三世坂田半五郎の藤川水右衛門『花菖蒲文禄曽我』|Sakata Hangorō III as Fujikawa Mizuemon in the Play "Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga"

東洲斎写楽画三世坂田半五郎の藤川水右衛門『花菖蒲文禄曽我』|Sakata Hangorō III as Fujikawa Mizuemon in the Play "Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga" is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Tōshū. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Look up other prints of *men, actors, japan* to see how Sharaku turned stage faces into sharp, dramatic art.

You see a man in a fierce pose, one arm raised, face twisted in anger. His robe swirls with bold patterns, and his hair sticks up like flames. The background shimmers with tiny silver flakes—mica ground—that catch the light.

Sharaku made these prints fast, like movie posters. This one shows an actor playing a hot-headed character in a 1794 play. The prints were cheap, sold to fans outside the theater. Most were thrown away; only about 150 survive.

Look up other prints of *men, actors, japan* to see how Sharaku turned stage faces into sharp, dramatic art.

Overview

This woodblock print, created by Tōshūsai Sharaku in 1794, depicts Sakata Hangorō III as Fujikawa Mizuemon in the play 'Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga'. The print is characterized by its dynamic pose and expressive facial features, set against a shimmering background.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays an actor in a dramatic role, conveying intense emotion through his facial expression and body language. The character's attire features bold patterns, adding to the overall dynamic effect.

Technique & Style

The print is notable for its use of ink, color, and mica on paper, creating a shimmering effect in the background. Sharaku's style is marked by its sharp, dramatic portrayal of stage characters, achieved through a rapid production process.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1794, this print was likely sold as a cheap, ephemeral item to theater fans. As a result, most prints from this series have not survived, with only around 150 remaining.