1801

Essentials

  • Born: Japan
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Creative periods: active period
  • Color intensity:
    • balanced
    • vivid
  • Room fit:
    • restaurant
    • living room
  • Works on this site: 147
  • Mediums: woodblock print
  • Top-ranked work: Kabuki Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei

The Enigmatic Presence of Sharaku

Sharaku was a Japanese ukiyo-e print designer active between 1794 and 1795. His prolific output focused primarily on yakusha-e, which are portraits of kabuki actors. These works often emphasized the dynamism and energy of the subjects, frequently utilizing a realism that highlighted unflattering details such as wrinkles or large noses. His compositions often featured a focus on facial expressions, sometimes presenting a single figure or contrasting different types of faces.

The artist's career was brief, spanning approximately ten months. His work is categorized into four distinct periods:

Artistic Style and Legacy

Sharaku's technique involved the use of woodblock prints, sometimes employing extravagant methods such as the dusting of mica in the backgrounds to create a glittering effect. His portraits are noted for their ability to capture the psychology of a character through heightened theatrical gestures and expressive, almost caricature-like exaggerations.

Despite the mystery surrounding his true identity, his work has been recognized for its mastery of the medium. His reputation rests largely on his earlier prints, while his later output is often considered to have a declining artistry. His subjects included kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and warriors.

Spørgsmål og svar

Hvor kommer Sharaku fra?

Sharaku blev født i Japan.

Hvor kan jeg se alle værker af Sharaku?

Se alle værker af Sharaku på denne hjemmeside på kunstnerens Alle kunstværker-side.

Hvor kan jeg finde statistik om Sharakus værker?

Siden Statistik for Sharaku præsenterer statistikker beregnet ud fra kunstnerens værker, som er listet på denne hjemmeside.

I hvilke kunstretninger arbejdede Sharaku?

De kunstretninger, som Sharaku arbejdede inden for, kan findes på kunstnerens Alle kunstretninger-side, hvor værkerne er grupperet efter kunstretning.

Quiz

Der er kun ét korrekt svar på hvert spørgsmål.

Spørgsmål 1:
What was the primary subject of Sharaku's portraits?
Spørgsmål 2:
How long did Sharaku's active career as a woodblock artist span?
Spørgsmål 3:
Which artist did some researchers suggest Sharaku might actually be?
Spørgsmål 4:
In which period did Sharaku's artistry noticeably deteriorate?
Spørgsmål 5:
What technique was used to create a luxurious glittering effect in the backgrounds of some prints?