Toshusai Sharaku (東洲斎 写楽)

Toshusai Sharaku (東洲斎 写楽) is a Japanese artist known primarily for his woodblock prints. The artist's documented activity is confined to a brief period, with verifiable works dating to approximately 1789. Due to the scarcity of biographical information outside of this productive window, Sharaku remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the history of Japanese art.

Fifteen of Toshusai Sharaku (東洲斎 写楽)'s prints are represented in major international museum collections, establishing the artist's legacy. These museum-quality works are held by institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago.

The artist is recognized for expressive actor portraits and theatrical scenes, such as Hamamuraya Roko, Koraiya Kinsho, and Ichikawa Yaozo lll in the Role of Fuwa no Banzaemon Shigekatsu. Other notable prints include Maple Leaf Viewing (Momiji gari) and the portrait Morita Kan'ya Vll in the Role of Yura Hyogonosuke Nobutada. Due to the age of the works, many of the original Toshusai Sharaku (東洲斎 写楽) prints are available in the public domain, allowing for the creation of high-quality prints and downloadable artwork for research and study.