Where to See Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Kuniyoshi's woodblock prints can be viewed in several collections around the world. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London holds approximately 2,500 of his prints. Other significant collections include the Tokyo National Museum, which acquired over 8,000 prints from Henri Vever's collection in 1921. This collection includes ten surimono prints by Kuniyoshi. In Europe, the Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst in Cologne, Germany, has a collection that once prompted its director to organise a Kuniyoshi exhibition in 1963. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam also possesses a collection with works by most surimono artists, though it lacks a published catalogue. In the United States, the Fogg Museum at Harvard University has a substantial surimono collection. Kuniyoshi's work was not always appreciated during his lifetime, but his dramatic and versatile style has since gained recognition. B. W. Robinson's monographs from 1961 and 1976 are important resources for those interested in the artist.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798^[1]-1861^[1]) was a prolific designer of Japanese^[1] woodblock prints during the late Edo period. Born Igusa Magosaburō, the son of a silk dyer, he apprenticed to Toyokuni in 1811^[1] and later studied the Tosa, Kanō, and Maruyama painting styles. Kuniyoshi's earliest known work is from 1814, illustrating Takezuka Tōshi’s book, “Peaceful Treasury of Loyal Retainers”. Kuniyoshi produced actor prints and prints of beautiful women; however, he is best known for warrior prints. His series “108 Popular Heroes of the Suikoden” from 1827 made him famous. Kuniyoshi's prints occasionally overlap with Kabuki theatre subjects, but rather than depicting actors for their fans, Kuniyoshi portrayed remote historical or mythological events. He also produced small-scale background for pictures of heroes or other figures. His output was extensive, including prints of beautiful women, actors, Western-style landscapes, erotica, game boards, and comical prints. He worked with over 150 publishers and designed nearly 250 series. Kuniyoshi headed a studio with many students, including Kyōsai, Yoshiiku, Yoshitora and Yoshitoshi. He died in 1861 and is buried in the Daisenji.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798^[1]-1861^[1]) was a prolific artist of Japanese^[1] woodblock prints. Born Igusa Magosaburō, the son of a silk dyer, he became an apprentice to Toyokuni in 1811^[1]. Kuniyoshi's career took off around 1827, after the publication of his series '108 Popular Heroes of the Suikoden'. His output was immense; he produced warrior prints, images of women, actor portraits, comedies, and erotica. He also illustrated over 240 books and headed a studio with many students. Although Kuniyoshi was not as famous as Kunisada during his lifetime, his reputation grew after his death. One reason is the samurai theme in many of his heroic prints. Post-war Japanese cinema created a new image of traditional Japan in films such as 'The Seven Samurai'. These films share subject matter with Kuniyoshi's prints. Some find it difficult to view the heroes of '108 Heroes of the Suikoden' without thinking of images from Kurosawa's films. The Victoria and Albert Museum held a memorial exhibition in his honour, and owns 2,500 of his woodblock prints.

Kuniyoshi was the art surname of Igusa Magosaburō. He also used the art names Chōōrō, Ichiyūsai, Ryūen, and Ichimyōkai Hodoyoshi (on erotica).

Kuniyoshi lived from 1798^[1] to 1861^[1]. He was born on the fifteenth day of the eleventh month 1797, which corresponds to January 1st, 1798^[1], in the Western calendar.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi, born in 1798^[1], trained in standard Utagawa subjects such as actor-portraiture. He also studied Tosa, Kanō, and Maruyama painting styles. Japanese^[1] woodblock printing relies on specific materials and techniques. Wild mountain cherry (yamazakura) is ideal because it has a fine, even grain that is easy to carve without splintering. Wood from trees grown on mountains near the sea, especially on the Izu peninsula near Tokyo, is considered best. Wood from further north is harder to carve and does not take colour as well. Japanese woodblocks (hangi) are cut down the grain, unlike Western wood engraving. This allows for larger blocks and flowing lines. The hardest wood is used for keyblocks, while softer wood is used for colour blocks, as it takes flat colour better. Ideally, all blocks for one print are made from the same piece of wood.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861^[1]) was a significant figure in the ukiyo-e style of Japanese^[1] woodblock prints. He is known for his depictions of historical and mythical scenes, warriors, and animals. His work had an impact on many later artists, both in Japan and the West. One notable artist influenced by Kuniyoshi was Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839^[1]-1892), sometimes called the last great ukiyo-e master. Yoshitoshi was a student of Kuniyoshi. He adopted Kuniyoshi's dramatic style and interest in historical subjects. Yoshitoshi's prints often feature intense emotion and violent imagery, elements that can be traced back to Kuniyoshi's influence. Kuniyoshi's impact extended beyond direct students. His bold compositions and imaginative subject matter appealed to Western artists who encountered Japanese prints in the late 19th century. His influence can be seen in the work of artists associated with Japonisme, a Western art movement inspired by Japanese art. Kuniyoshi's influence contributed to the broader appreciation of Japanese art in the West.

It is difficult to name a single work as Utagawa Kuniyoshi's most famous. He produced a large number of prints, book illustrations, and paintings during his career. Kuniyoshi is recognised today as one of the later masters of ukiyo-e (Japanese^[1] woodblock prints). He is associated with the Utagawa school. Kuniyoshi's artistic reputation rests on his innovative designs and his depictions of a wide range of subjects. Kuniyoshi's best-known prints include series of warriors, heroes, and mythical figures. The series *One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden All Told* (c. 1827^[1]-1830^[1]) established his popularity. He also produced actor prints, images of beautiful women, and satirical pieces. He is also known for his depictions of cats.