was a Japanese print-maker. He was one of the masters of the

shin hanga was an art movement in early 20th-century Japan, during the Taishō and Shōwa periods, that revitalized the traditional ''ukiyo-e'' art rooted in the Edo and Meiji periods (17th–19th century). It maintained the traditional ''ukiyo-e'' co ...

movement. His work consisted mostly of

kabuki is a classical form of Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily-stylised performances, the often-glamorous costumes worn by performers, and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers. Kabuki is thought to ...

actor prints ''Yakusha-e'' (役者絵), often referred to as "actor prints" in English, are Japanese woodblock prints or, rarely, paintings, of kabuki actors, particularly those done in the ''ukiyo-e'' style popular through the Edo period (1603–1867) and in ...

that emphasized the individual personality of the actors, showcased through rich colours and exquisite patterns of complex design. Ota had a lifelong involvement with kabuki theater, illustrating volumes on major kabuki plays and famous kabuki costumes. His two most important set of actor prints, ''Showa Butai Sugata'' (1950) and ''Gendai Butai Geika'' (1955) were published by the Banchoro studio. These sets, of twelve prints each, exhibit a very high level of realism, achieved through the use of western techniques of perspective and through beautiful shading ( bokashi) and attention to detail.

Technique and Style

Ota Masamitsu was renowned for an attention to detail: his use of facial expression and hand gesture in particular are key aspects of his technique which signal particular moments in the kabuki play. For example, his piece 'Moritsuna as Ichikawa ebizo IX' is well-known for the 'nauseated grimace' and 'clenched fist' of the actor which represents the play in its dramatic climax. Masamitsu's use of fine gradations to achieve a three-dimensional impression, the realistic rendering of texture like the actors' clothes, and a sparing but intentional use of mica (glitter) have led to his reputation for technical brilliance

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Works
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ota, Masamitsu 1892 births 1975 deaths Japanese printmakers Shin hanga artists