National Treasures & Important Cultural Properties
of National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

Toshusai Sharaku created over 140 woodblock prints in only 10 months from May 1794 to January 1795 (including an intercalary month) and then suddenly disappeared. Although all of his prints were published by publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo, he is known as a mysterious artist with no other relationships, such as master/apprentice relationships.
　Sharaku's woodblock prints are categorized into four periods according to the time he made the prints and his style also changes with these periods. The Tokyo National Museum owns 27 of 28 first period yakusha okubi-e (literally pictures of large heads of actors), which comprises close-ups of actors who performed in summer programs presented by the three main troupes of Edo in May 1794. The 27 pictures are collectively designated as an important cultural property.