One of the greatest masters of the ukiyo-e tradition and a key figure of the Utagawa school, Kuniyoshi was celebrated for his dynamic compositions, imaginative storytelling, and technical mastery. A pupil of Utagawa Toyokuni I, he gained fame in the 1820s with his powerful series One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Suikoden (Tsūzoku Suikoden gōketsu hyakuhachinin), depicting legendary Chinese warriors. His vast oeuvre includes heroic and historical scenes, landscapes, actor portraits, bijin-ga, and humorous or supernatural subjects. Renowned for his creativity and bold use of color, Kuniyoshi often infused his works with wit and subtle political commentary. His influence extended to later artists such as Yoshitoshi, and his work continues to inspire modern manga and illustration. He died in Edo in 1861.
Additional Artworks
From Jerome Lion
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UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI
Soga Juro Fighting his Way Towards Yoritomo, c. 1842
Color woodblock print on paper
14 3/4 x 29 7/8 inches
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UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI
Soga Goro Tokimune Fighting his Way Towards Yoritomo, c. 1842
Color woodblock print on paper
14 3/4 x 29 7/8 inches, Dimensions shown are for triptych, as assembled
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UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE
Sugawara no Michizane on his oak, 1841
Color woodblock print on paper
72 X 25 cm
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UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE
Ryogoku - Bashi Noryo – Koto Meisho serie, 1839-1842, Tenpō 10-13
Color woodblock print on paper
H 228 mm x L 348 mm
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KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI
"Hoeizan shutsugen" from the series "100 Views of Mount Fuji", c. 1835
woodblock print on paper
22 x 26 cm
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KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI
"Fuji no muro" from the series 100 Views of Mount Fuji, c. 1835
woodblock print on paper
22 x 15.5 cm
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KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI
Tenchi Tenno Poem From Hyakunin Isshu Uba Ga Etoki, c. 1835
Color woodblock print on paper
24,1 x 37, 2 cm
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YANAGAWA SHIGENOBU
Urashima Taro From Kotobuki Goban No Uchi serie, 1823 - Bunsei 6
Color woodblock print on paper
H 211 mm x L 177 mm
About the artist
UTAGAWA KUNIYOSHI
1797-1861