List of works by Sharaku

Sharaku's signature on his first-period work: Tōshūsai Sharaku ga (東洲齊冩樂画), followed with the censor's seal kiwame (極) and the publisher's mark of Tsutaya Jūzaburō

158 works and sketches survive of the Japanese artist known only by the art name Tōshūsai Sharaku. Almost all were made over a ten-month period in 1794–1795, divided into four periods:

  1. 5th month of Kansei 6 (May–June 1794) – 28 ōban prints
  2. 7th and 8th months of Kansei 6 (July–September 1794) – 8 ōban and 30 hosoban prints
  3. 11th and intercalary 11th months of Kansei 6 (November 1794 – January 1795) – 47 hosoban, 13 aiban, and 4 ōban prints
  4. 1st month of Kansei 7 (February–March 1795) – 10 hosoban and 5 aiban prints

The print sizes became progressively smaller and the focus shifts from busts to full-length portraits. The depictions become less expressive and more conventional. Two picture calendars dating to as early as 1789 and three decorated fans as late as 1803 have been attributed to Sharaku, but have yet to be accepted as authentic works of his. A number of hanshita-e preparatory drawings have also been found.