東洲斎写楽画　三代目大谷鬼次の奴江戸兵衛|Kabuki Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei

Tōshūsai Sharaku

1794 · Woodblock print; ink, color, and white mica on paper · Asian Art

Ōtani Oniji III is depicted here in the role of a samurai’s manservant from the play The Colored Reins of a Loving Wife (Koi nyōbō somewake tazuna). The actor’s leering face, shown in three-quarter view, his bristling hair, and his groping outstretched hands capture the ruthless nature of this wicked henchman. Sharaku was able to capture the essential qualities of Kabuki characters but also reveal the personalities of the actors who were famous for performing them.

Artist

Tōshūsai Sharaku

Date

1794

Medium

Woodblock print; ink, color, and white mica on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Henry L. Phillips Collection, Bequest of Henry L. Phillips, 1939