The Sharaku Enigma

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

We better know the biographical details of Banksy than those of Sharaku: it may look incredible.

Portraits of actors by Tōshūsai Sharaku are marvels of clarity in the design, and of expression of the characters in their respective roles. Yet Sharaku produced nothing before mid 1794, and his career lasted only ten months.

One hypothesis is that Sharaku is not an artist but a group of artists in a collaborative project led by a publisher of prints. It is relevant to note the name of this editor: Tsutaya Jûzaburô.

Two considerations support. The subject was shocking for the Japan of that time, which did not accept a too realistic art. I already said it in the Asia group for the screens of Okyo Maruyama, who were made in the same period. Also nobody knows what Hokusai did during the short time of "Sharaku."

On October 16 in Paris (Hôtel Drouot), Piasa sells a significant group of prints by Sharaku. The most beautiful, 39 x 25 cm, is estimated 50 K€.

In its press release, Piasa reminds the Huguette Berès sale, by Sotheby's in Paris in 2002 and 2003. A portrait of actor dressed as a peasant in an aggressive mood had been sold 145 K€ including premium.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Often, the French auction houses publish estimates below the reality of the market for some really important lots. They use to consider that it enables some confidence to potential buyers.

The print of Sharaku was more worthy than its estimate. Much more. The result, 396 K € including premium, allows to include this lot among the masterpieces.