Tōshūsai Sharaku’s Artwork
Tōshūsai Sharaku’s 大和屋是業 二代目坂東三津五郎の奴くが平
(“Yamatoya Zegyo: Bandō Mitsugorō II as Kugahei, a Servant”)
is an evocative ukiyo-e portrait that exemplifies both Sharaku’s bold depiction of kabuki actors
and the theatrical legacy of Bandō Mitsugorō II.
The Artwork: 大和屋是業 二代目坂東三津五郎の奴くが平
This print, created in 1794, depicts Bandō Mitsugorō II in the role of Kugahei, a retainer or servant, from a kabuki play staged in Edo.
“Yamatoya Zegyo” refers to his guild or stage family, a lineage central to kabuki tradition.
Sharaku’s portrait captures Mitsugorō in a moment of alertness and resolve, with sharply rendered facial lines
and a slightly contorted posture that conveys attentiveness and tension.
The detailed depiction of the costume, the focus on hand positioning,
and the psychological immediacy of the expression were hallmarks of Sharaku’s early masterpieces.
About Bandō Mitsugorō II
Bandō Mitsugorō II (1775–1831) was one of Edo’s most renowned kabuki actors,
celebrated for his versatility and command of both heroic and comic roles.
As the successor to a distinguished stage name within the Yamatoya guild,
Mitsugorō II’s performances were known for their vigor and emotional depth.
He drew great acclaim for his technical mastery as well as his engaging stage presence,
influencing successive generations of actors within the tachiyaku (male lead) tradition.
His career extended well beyond Sharaku’s brief period of activity, cementing his legacy on the Edo stage.
Significance of the Portrait
Sharaku’s rendering of Bandō Mitsugorō II as Kugahei embodies the intensity of kabuki theater
and the individuality of its celebrated stars.
The bold lines, realistic physiognomy, and dynamic sense of action invite viewers into the emotional heart of kabuki performance.
The portrait stands as a testament both to Sharaku’s extraordinary but short-lived career and to Mitsugorō’s dramatic legacy,
remaining highly respected in the art historical canon of Japanese ukiyo-e and Edo-period theater.
English Title: Bandō Mitsugorō II, Actor Portrait by Sharaku
Japanese Title: 大和屋是業 二代目坂東三津五郎の奴くが平
Role: Kugahei, a servant, performed in Edo, 1794 (Yamatoya guild)
Artist: Tōshūsai Sharaku
Date: 1794 (Edo period)
Medium: Woodblock Print (Ukiyo-e)
Genre: Kabuki Actor Portrait