Sharaku << shah RAH koo >> was a great Japanese artist of the late 1700’s. Sharaku’s reputation rests on color woodcuts of Japanese actors that he created in 1794 and 1795. Nothing is known of his life before and after these years or why his career was so short. Sharaku was the artist’s professional name. His real name is unknown.
Sharaku portrayed actors of the Japanese kabuki drama playing their roles. Most of his prints are head portraits but some show full-length figures. Sharaku exaggerated the facial features and distorted the postures of his subjects. His prints capture not only the likenesses of the actors, but also the spirit of their dramatic roles. Sharaku seldom included background settings in his prints. Instead, the subjects stand out vividly against a dull-colored background.
See also Japanese print (The master print artists); Woodcut.
