Shōrakusai

Shōrakusai was an artist known to be active around 1785. Their documented output primarily consists of illustrated books and large-format album sheets. Historical records confirm the production of 15 books attributed to the artist during this period.

The extant works held in major institutions focus heavily on theatrical subjects. Shōrakusai prints representing these themes are preserved in collections such as the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA). Five specific works are documented in the CMA database, including the bound volume Album of Actor Portraits and four associated Double-Leaf from Album of Actor Portraits sections.

These museum-quality prints offer verifiable evidence of Shōrakusai’s style and technique in the late 18th century. As historical documents and artworks of this age transition into the public domain, they become key resources for studying the visual culture of the period.