Onoe Matsusuke as Ashikaga Takauji

This unique woodblock print—TMA’s is the only known impression—by important Japanese printmaker Toshusai Sharaku features Kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke (1744–1815) in his celebrated role as the tyrant Ashikaga Takauji in the play Steadfast as the Pine Tree is the Woman of the Kusanoki Clan (Matsu Wa Misao Onna Kusanoki). The action-packed story is based on a medieval tale of the struggle between two clans in feudal Japan.

Kabuki Theater presented stories of high drama and romantic intrigue that captured the imagination of all levels of Japanese society. Kabuki actors were revered by the public, and prints of these actors, always shown in their stage roles, were avidly collected. Sharaku created a new form of actor print, often taking into consideration the actor's personality as well as his stage role. Instead of idealizing the actors, he deliberately exaggerated their personal physical traits, creating a form of caricature not always appreciated by his subjects.