Shigeharu (1803 - 1853 )
Born in Nagasaki, Shigeharu was one of the few full-time woodblock print artists in Osaka. He is known for his versatility of style. From incredible delicacy to palpable intensity, his works are endlessly imaginative. He completed his first print at age 17, signing the work “Nagasaki Kunishige,” not adopting “Shigeharu” until 1826. Between 1825 and 1829, he collaborated with Kunihiro, producing several polyptychs of note. Shigeharu also collaborated with the master carver Kasuke in 1827. By 1829, Shigeharu was the most prolific artist in Osaka, producing distinguished actor prints, painted billboards, and illustrated books. Despite his success on the more commercial side of printmaking, around 1831 he focused on a more detailed and delicate approach to his work.
Shigeharu returned to his native Nagasaki following the civil and economic instability of Osaka in the 1830s. While he passed away in his hometown, some scholars contend that he returned to Osaka and completed actor bust-portraits signed “Kunishige.” His last known print was completed in 1838, but Shigeharu continued to illustrate books through 1841.
Ukiyo-e | Japanese Woodblock Prints | Ronin Gallery
Explore the largest collection of 17th-19th century original Japanese woodblock prints in the United States at Ronin Gallery. Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” captured the exciting urban popular culture of the Edo period (1603-1868), promoting its beauty, fashions and heroes. While the Buddhist term ukiyo originally emphasized the transitory nature of human life, during the 17th century the term gradually shifted its reference to the ephemeral world of pleasure and indulgence. From 17th century Buddhist woodcuts through 19th century Japanese ukiyo-e print masters, enter a vibrant world of enchanting landscapes and sublime nature studies by Hokusai and Hiroshige, dramatic kabuki actors by Sharaku and Toyokuni, fierce samurai by Kuniyoshi, and elegant beauties by Utamaro. With the ravages of time, war and fire, today few of these precious original Japanese woodblock prints survive outside of museums and important private collections.
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Shigeharu
Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Ebizo as Issun Tokubei
JPR3-23167