A scene from the Kabuki play "Koi Nyobo Somewake Tetsuna," depicting Takemura Sadanoshin as Noh actor Takemura Sadanoshin, the main character of the first half of the play, Dojoji.

It was made as a bromide of the popular kabuki actor of the time, Ichikawa Ezo (Danjuro V).

◆Summary

A scene from "Koi Nyobo Somewake Tetsuna," performed at Kawarazaki-za in May 1794, depicting Takemura Sadanoshin as a Noh actor and the main character in the first half of "Dojoji," the climax of the play.

Takemura Sadanoshin played the role of a young man who, after his daughter Shigenoi and Date no Yosaku's illicit intercourse with each other was exposed, taught his lord the secret Noh drama "Dojoji" in order to apologize for the misconduct, and committed ritual suicide in the bell of Dojoji, taking the place of his daughter Shigenoi.

Another famous work by Sharaku was "Ōtani Oniji III in the Role of the Servant Edobei," in which he portrayed the role of a servant of the villain Washizuka Hachiheiji.

◆Commentary

Ichikawa Ebizo, who plays Ichikawa Danjuro V, was the highest-ranking kabuki actor of his time, ranking him as "Gokujo Uekimi Daikichi Muire" (meaning there was no other actor as good as him), and he was called the greatest actor in the world.

His exceptionally imposing demeanor is expressed in his large frame and chiseled face, and his great artistic style comes through vividly.

And,the composition spreads rhythmically from the collar of the layered kimono to the tied hand.

This hand is a realistic representation of the role and scene.

In those days, actors were distinguished by their family crests, and Ichikawa Ebizo's family crest was "Samasu".

◆About Sharaku

He is known as a mysterious painter who disappeared from the scene after printing actor paintings and other works for a short period of about 10 months.

The total number of works was 134 pieces of Yakusha-e, 2 Yakusha Osen-e, 7 Sumo-e, 2 Busha-e, 1 Ebisu-e, 9 Yakusha-version underdrawings, and 10 Sumo-version underdrawings were identified.

In fact, it is said that actor paintings at that time were not so popular, and that they quickly fell out of fashion because they portrayed the actors too plainly.

However, Sharaku's actor paintings are very comical and impactful, and I think they are still very popular today.

His eccentric and innovative, yet acrid actor pictures have divided opinion since then.

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Other masterpieces of Sharaku

↓↓↓Segawa Kikujurō III as Oshizu, Wife of Tanabe