Toyohara Kunichika
Toyohara Kunichika
Japanese, 1835–1900
Kunichika was little concerned for material wealth or personal appearance and was often in debt. He thoroughly enjoyed partying and drinking and fancied the theatre. His interest in Kabuki and his portrayal of its actors gave him entree to their world and he spent hours backstage documenting the poses and facial expressions of the actors in their various roles. Contemporary reports observed that his use of color in his actor prints was the most skilful aspect of his art, in keeping with the Utagawa tradition.
A master of theatrical prints, Kunichika documented the history of the Mejia-era Kabuki. His oban bust portraits are well known, but his Kabuki triptychs are among the most dramatic ever produced. He remained active up to the end of his life with documented works dating to only months before his death.
Kunichika died on July 19th, 1900 at the age of 65, due to poor health and heavy drinking. His grave can still be found at the Buddhist Shingon-sect temple of Honryuji in Imado, Asakusa. His death marked the end of an era of full-color woodblock actor prints and the end of the Ukiyo-e print tradition.
Person TypePerson
Japanese, active 1782–1798
American, born Switzerland, 1826–1899
English, 1762–1822
Italian, c. 1470/82–1527/34