Multiple original impressions in Brooklyn Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago & The British museum
Segawa Kikunojo III as Oshizu is a colour woodblock print created by Toshusai Sharaku in 1794 during Japan's Edo period. The artwork depicts the famous Kabuki actor Sewaga Kikunojō III performing the role of Oshizu, a female character. At first glance, the print appears elegant and restrained with careful attention given to the actor's facial features, clothing and posture, Unlike some of his more dramatic actor portraits, this work relies on subtle expression and gesture to convey character and emotion.
The historical context of the artwork is particularly interesting. During the Edo perios, women were prohibited from performing in Kabuki theatre. As a result, male actors known as onnagata specialized in playing femlae roles and developed highly refined techniques to portray feminity on stage.
One of the unique features of Sharaku's work is his focus on the personality of the actor. He captures the tension between the actor's real identity and the character being portrayed. Compared to many of Sharaku's actor portraits that rely on exaggerated expressions, dramatic gestures and intense theatrical energy, Segawa appears more restrained and elegant. This difference likely reflects the conventions of the Onnagata tradition, which emphasizes grace, refinement and controlled movement in the portrayal of female characters. The simplified background furhter directs attention to the figure, allowing viewers to focus on expression, costume and performance.
Although Sharaku was active for less than a year, his actor portraits introduced an unusual level of psychological depth to ukiyo-e printmaking.
To me, this artwork represents the idea of transformation and the power of performance. At first, the figure appears to be a calm and graceful woman, but it is actually a male Kabuki actor playing a female role. Sharaku captures this moment with a simple expression and elegant pose, showing both the character and the actor behind the performance. The quiet mood of the print makes it feel thoughtful and human rather than dramatic. I think the artwork highlights how identity can be shaped through art and theatre, while also celebrating the skill, discipline, and beauty of Kabuki performance in Edo-period Japan.
