Sharaku Toshusai (active 1794–1795) was a Japanese ukiyo-e print designer, known for his portraits of kabuki actors. Neither his true name nor the dates of his birth or death are known. His active career as a woodblock artist spanned only for ten months; his prolific work met disapproval and his output came to an end as suddenly and mysteriously as it had begun. His work has come to be considered some of the greatest in the ukiyo-e genre. These prints of actors, especially the okubi-e (half-length portraits), are striking for their intensity and for an exaggeration verging on caricature. Unlike other artists, Sharaku didn't want to idealize portraits but he tried to penetrate the actors’ characters and to show them in poses revealing their ways of acting. Measurements: 21 x 31 cm Good condition, there are signs of wear due to age and use, marks, scratches, stains; please, take a look at pictures for actual condition. Registered shipping with tracking number, well packed for safe and fast delivering!