Toshusai Sharaku left next to no documents concerning his life. When and where he was born, how he lived, or when he died is still unknown. Sharaku drew the true likenesses of actors in such an exaggerated style that, it is said, both actors and fans condemned him. Nowadays, however, his name is quite well-known throughout the world, and he is considered as one of the greatest Ukiyoe artists. Sharaku began producing prints in May of Kansei 6 (1792) and his name and art works spread out immediately. However, he stopped producing Ukiyoe and dissapeared suddenly early next year, in 1793.