Bandō Mitsugorō II as Ishii Genzō in the Play "Hana Ayame Bunroku Soga" 1795

Tōshūsai Sharaku created this woodblock print of Bandō Mitsugorō II in the role of Ishii Genzō. The composition immediately strikes you with its stark contrasts and bold, expressive lines. Notice how the artist uses a limited colour palette, emphasizing the figure against a dark background. The actor’s intense gaze and pronounced facial features convey a sense of drama. Sharaku’s work can be seen as a commentary on the theatrical world, using exaggerated forms to capture the essence of the character. His prints challenge traditional notions of beauty, focusing instead on the psychological depth of his subjects. Through the dynamic use of line and form, Sharaku destabilizes established meanings of portraiture, inviting us to question the nature of representation itself. The texture of the woodblock is apparent, reminding us of the materiality of the artwork and its connection to the cultural codes of Japanese theatre. The print remains a powerful statement, engaging with new ways of thinking about perception and representation.