Ichimatsu Sanogawa, Actor Portrait by Sharaku (1794)

Tōshūsai Sharaku’s Artwork

Tōshūsai Sharaku’s 三代目佐野川市松の祇園町の白人おなよ
(Sanogawa Ichimatsu III as Shirouto Onayo of Gion Town)
is a striking ukiyo-e portrait that captures the intense theatrical presence of the kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu III,
illustrating Sharaku’s distinct focus on psychological realism and dramatic expression.

The Artwork: 三代目佐野川市松の祇園町の白人おなよ

This portrait depicts the actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu III performing the role of Shirouto Onayo,
a character associated with the Gion district.
The actor’s costume is notable for incorporating the ichimatsu pattern (a checkerboard motif) on the collar,
a design that had become culturally popular partly due to Ichimatsu’s performances and public image.
The print features a dark background, enhanced with black mica powder (kira), which emphasizes the upper body and intense gaze of the figure.
Sharaku’s focus on the actor’s sharp eyes, subtle hand positioning, and realistic costume elements highlights both the character’s story
and Ichimatsu’s compelling stage presence.

About Sanogawa Ichimatsu III

Sanogawa Ichimatsu III flourished in the late 18th century and belonged to the distinguished Sanogawa family of kabuki actors.
Known for his versatility, Ichimatsu III performed both male and female roles (tachiyaku and onnagata),
earning acclaim for the range and depth of his acting.
His adoption of the ichimatsu pattern in costumes contributed not only to his stage persona but also to the wider cultural popularity of the motif,
which extended beyond the theater into fashion and design trends of Edo society.

Significance of the Portrait

Sharper and more theatrical than many contemporary prints,
Sharaku’s portrait of Sanogawa Ichimatsu III as Shirouto Onayo captures a rare psychological intensity and raw theatricality.
The work reflects the complexity of Edo-period kabuki and demonstrates Sharaku’s ability to immortalize the essence of an actor’s performance in a single, vivid image.
This portrait is recognized as one of Sharaku’s finest renderings of onstage personas, combining technical mastery with emotional insight,
and remains a celebrated highlight of his brief career.

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