The Actor Iwai Hanshiro IV
Object Details
- Label
- Sharaku's dramatic portraits of actors, which often focus on the head and torso, are among the most famous images in the history of Japanese prints. This print portrays the actor Iwai Hanshiro IV, a leading actor of women's roles (onnagata), in the role of the nurse Shigenoi. Sharaku's focus on the facial features and expression of the actor can be compared to the full-figure portrait of the same actor in the print by Toyokuni (F1974.97). The shimmering, dark mica background in Sharaku's print heightens the stark realism of the portrait and is a striking feature in many of the artist's actor portraits. The patterns of the costume were once printed in warm reds and yellows, which have nearly faded away. Little is reliably known about Sharaku, whose brief and brilliant production of actor prints continues to stimulate debate, speculation, and imaginative fiction.
- Collection
- Freer Gallery of Art Collection
- Exhibition History
- The Floating World: Ukiyo-e Paintings and Prints (December 8, 2002 to May 26, 2003)
- Japanese Theatre in the Edo Period (July 22, 1985 to October 15, 1985)
- Japanese Prints (December 1, 1978 to April 12, 1979)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer
- Data Source
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Date
- 1794
- Period
- Edo period
- Accession Number
- F1974.9
- Artist
- Toshusai Sharaku
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Medium
- Ink, color and mica on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 36.9 x 24.3 cm (14 1/2 x 9 9/16 in)
- Origin
- Japan
- Related Online Resources
- Google Cultural Institute
- See more items in
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection
- Topic
- Edo period (1615 - 1868)
- theater
- kabuki
- Japan
- actor
- ukiyo-e
- yakusha-e
- Japanese Art
- Record ID
- fsg_F1974.9
