Kabuki Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei

Tōshūsai Sharaku

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ōtani Oniji III is depicted here in the role of a samurai’s manservant from the play The Colored Reins of a Loving Wife (Koi nyōbō somewake tazuna). The actor’s leering face, shown in three-quarter view, his bristling hair, and his groping outstretched hands capture the ruthless nature of this wicked henchman. Sharaku was able to capture the essential qualities of Kabuki characters but also reveal the personalities of the actors who were famous for performing them.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art