Sharaku Woodblock Print (Showa Period Reprint)

¥8,680


Print Title: Oshizu, Wife of Tanabe Bunzo Played by Segawa Kikunojo III

  • Post-War Showa Period (1945~1989) reprint edition of Ukiyo-e by Toshusai Sharaku

  • Printed by woodblock print specialist publishers Yuyudo Shuppan, using the same traditional printing techniques as the Edo Period

  • Like the original prints, the background uses a method called Kirazuri where mica powder is mixed with pigment to add a shimmer

  • In May 1794, Toshusai Sharaku suddenly appeared in the world of Ukiyo-e

    • Despite being an unknown newcomer, he made his debut under the well-known publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo with 28 large-format Okubi-e (large-head portraits) of busts of kabuki actors

    • His actor portraits differed from those typically used at the time, boldly depicting the actors’ distinctive features and personalities

    • This unique style that veered away from conformity drew mixed reviews at the time

    • Then, after releasing approximately 145 works in a short span of about 10 months, he suddenly vanished

    • His true identity is shrouded in mystery to this day, with one popular theory being he was Noh actor Saito Jurobei

  • This print depicts a scene in a kabuki program Hanaayame Bunroku Soga (The Iris Saga of the Bunroku Era) which was performed in 1794

  • This is likely to be the character Aki Oshizu in Act 6 when a loan shark visits her husband, the ronin Tanabe Bunzo, and pressures him into selling his daughter

  • Her main role in this play is to help her husband avenge his master's death

  • This print of the actor Segawa Kikunojo III is one of the most celebrated portraits of the Onnagata (male actor in a female role) by Sharaku

  • The print comes with its original folder and descriptive note

(Listing is for print - stand not included)

SIZE (Approx.)

WITHOUT MARGIN
WIDTH 21.0CM (8.3") X HEIGHT 30.8CM (12.1")

WITH MARGIN
WIDTH 22.9CM (9.0") X HEIGHT 33.1CM (13.0")

WEIGHT (without packaging)
130 Grams
Please note this piece will require substantial packaging to ensure it does not bend during shipping.

CONDITION - EXCELLENT

No noticeable damage to print itself. Windowed folder has a crease line in one corner and small stain on border at the top. Overall excellent condition for its age.

Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.

Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.

SHIPPING

Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.

The Buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes, or fees that may apply.

Bundle purchases may be shipped in separate parcels due to size, weight, or fragility.

⚠️ US Customers: Japan Post has suspended shipping to the US from end of August 2025. The Tokyotique will resume shipping to the US once this service reopens.

  • Please note that since August 29, 2025, additional import fees apply to all commercial parcels entering the country.

  • Tariffs are not included in the item price and must be paid by the customer upon delivery.

  • Please confirm details with your local customs office.


Print Title: Oshizu, Wife of Tanabe Bunzo Played by Segawa Kikunojo III

  • Post-War Showa Period (1945~1989) reprint edition of Ukiyo-e by Toshusai Sharaku

  • Printed by woodblock print specialist publishers Yuyudo Shuppan, using the same traditional printing techniques as the Edo Period

  • Like the original prints, the background uses a method called Kirazuri where mica powder is mixed with pigment to add a shimmer

  • In May 1794, Toshusai Sharaku suddenly appeared in the world of Ukiyo-e

    • Despite being an unknown newcomer, he made his debut under the well-known publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo with 28 large-format Okubi-e (large-head portraits) of busts of kabuki actors

    • His actor portraits differed from those typically used at the time, boldly depicting the actors’ distinctive features and personalities

    • This unique style that veered away from conformity drew mixed reviews at the time

    • Then, after releasing approximately 145 works in a short span of about 10 months, he suddenly vanished

    • His true identity is shrouded in mystery to this day, with one popular theory being he was Noh actor Saito Jurobei

  • This print depicts a scene in a kabuki program Hanaayame Bunroku Soga (The Iris Saga of the Bunroku Era) which was performed in 1794

  • This is likely to be the character Aki Oshizu in Act 6 when a loan shark visits her husband, the ronin Tanabe Bunzo, and pressures him into selling his daughter

  • Her main role in this play is to help her husband avenge his master's death

  • This print of the actor Segawa Kikunojo III is one of the most celebrated portraits of the Onnagata (male actor in a female role) by Sharaku

  • The print comes with its original folder and descriptive note

(Listing is for print - stand not included)

SIZE (Approx.)

WITHOUT MARGIN
WIDTH 21.0CM (8.3") X HEIGHT 30.8CM (12.1")

WITH MARGIN
WIDTH 22.9CM (9.0") X HEIGHT 33.1CM (13.0")

WEIGHT (without packaging)
130 Grams
Please note this piece will require substantial packaging to ensure it does not bend during shipping.

CONDITION - EXCELLENT

No noticeable damage to print itself. Windowed folder has a crease line in one corner and small stain on border at the top. Overall excellent condition for its age.

Vintage, antique and pre-loved items may show some signs of aging or wear. Please inspect the photos carefully before making your purchase.

Please note colours may vary slightly depending on monitor settings.

SHIPPING

Free Delivery - please refer to Shipping & Returns for further information.

The Buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes, or fees that may apply.

Bundle purchases may be shipped in separate parcels due to size, weight, or fragility.

⚠️ US Customers: Japan Post has suspended shipping to the US from end of August 2025. The Tokyotique will resume shipping to the US once this service reopens.

  • Please note that since August 29, 2025, additional import fees apply to all commercial parcels entering the country.

  • Tariffs are not included in the item price and must be paid by the customer upon delivery.

  • Please confirm details with your local customs office.