The Actor Tanimura Torazo as Washizuka Happeiji
谷村虎蔵の鷲塚八平次
Toshusai Sharaku · 1794 (Kansei 6) · Woodblock print (ukiyo-e)
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The Actor Tanimura Torazo as Washizuka Happeiji is one of the okubi-e portraits Toshusai Sharaku issued in 1794 (Kansei 6), showing the villain Washizuka Happeiji from the kabuki play Koinyobo Somewake Tazuna. It is an Important Cultural Property held by the Tokyo National Museum.
- Artist
- Toshusai Sharaku
- Date
- 1794 (Kansei 6)
- Medium / format
- Woodblock print (ukiyo-e)
About this work
This is one of 28 okubi-e portraits Sharaku published at his debut in the fifth month of 1794 (Kansei 6). It shows Tanimura Torazo as Washizuka Happeiji, who steals a large sum of money from Date Yosaku, in Koinyobo Somewake Tazuna, staged at the Kawarazaki-za theater.
He is understood to be gripping his sword to strike at his opponent, having realized that his crime is exposed and there is no escape. In the picture, too, a face with knitted brows and a tightly closed mouth and a clenched fist in front of the chest stand out large against the gray background. The shoulder of the black haori bears a round crest, and the hilt of a sword wrapped in green cord peeks out at the chest.
This is a large-format color woodblock print measuring 37.2 x 24.6 cm, designated an Important Cultural Property.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Tokyo National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Taito City, Tokyo Accession no. A-10569-480
Plan your visit to Tokyo National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Tokyo National Museum, which holds "The Actor Tanimura Torazo as Washizuka Happeiji".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted The Actor Tanimura Torazo as Washizuka Happeiji, and when?
- The Actor Tanimura Torazo as Washizuka Happeiji is by Toshusai Sharaku, made in 1794 (Kansei 6). Medium: Woodblock print (ukiyo-e).
- Where can I see The Actor Tanimura Torazo as Washizuka Happeiji?
- It is held by Tokyo National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Tokyo National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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