Page 1 / 1
The distinctive brushstrokes of master Toyohara Kunichika, born Arakawa Yasohachi in Edo on June 30, 1835, leave an impressive trail through time. Using a series of artist names such as Beiō, Hōshunrō, Ichiōsai, Kachōrō, Shima Sanjin, and Sōgenshi, he signed his myriad works of art. He flourished during the Meiji period, when he mastered the art of ukiyoe, the "pictures of the flowing world." Together with Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and Kobayashi Kiyochika, he became one of the "Three Outstanding Artists" of their style, shaping the 19th century with their virtuoso artistry.
Kunichika's journey into art began in the studio of Toyohara Chikanobu, where he painted the backs of shuttlecock rackets. Under the mentorship of Utagawa Kunisada, he perfected his artistry and expanded his creativity beyond the boundaries of traditional subjects. In 1869, he made a breakthrough with an impressive series of 22 prints depicting portraits of actors. With the uniqueness of having the sitter's head fill the sheet, far more than in traditional Ōkubi-e, Kunichika created a new style, the Ōgao-e. This approach earned him the title of "Sharaku of the Meiji Period" and solidified his popularity. Despite his fame and artistic recognition, Kunichika was a true Edokko, a child of Edo. He exuded his enthusiasm and passion, both in his art and in his lively lifestyle. He lived in the moment, spent money as fast as he earned it, and appreciated sake to the fullest. Despite his erratic life, which included 103 moves and forty different women, he always remained true to his art.
Today, in an age of technological advancement, we have the privilege of reproducing his artwork as high quality fine art prints. In this way, we honor his life's work and bring his masterful art pieces to life. Our art prints are not only a tribute to Toyohara Kunichika, they are also a celebration of the timeless beauty he captured with every stroke of his brush. By creating these art prints, we are able to keep the legacy of this extraordinary artist alive and share his unforgettable works with the world. In this way, we preserve the spirit of ukiyoe and the artistic virtuosity of Kunichika for generations to come.
The distinctive brushstrokes of master Toyohara Kunichika, born Arakawa Yasohachi in Edo on June 30, 1835, leave an impressive trail through time. Using a series of artist names such as Beiō, Hōshunrō, Ichiōsai, Kachōrō, Shima Sanjin, and Sōgenshi, he signed his myriad works of art. He flourished during the Meiji period, when he mastered the art of ukiyoe, the "pictures of the flowing world." Together with Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and Kobayashi Kiyochika, he became one of the "Three Outstanding Artists" of their style, shaping the 19th century with their virtuoso artistry.
Kunichika's journey into art began in the studio of Toyohara Chikanobu, where he painted the backs of shuttlecock rackets. Under the mentorship of Utagawa Kunisada, he perfected his artistry and expanded his creativity beyond the boundaries of traditional subjects. In 1869, he made a breakthrough with an impressive series of 22 prints depicting portraits of actors. With the uniqueness of having the sitter's head fill the sheet, far more than in traditional Ōkubi-e, Kunichika created a new style, the Ōgao-e. This approach earned him the title of "Sharaku of the Meiji Period" and solidified his popularity. Despite his fame and artistic recognition, Kunichika was a true Edokko, a child of Edo. He exuded his enthusiasm and passion, both in his art and in his lively lifestyle. He lived in the moment, spent money as fast as he earned it, and appreciated sake to the fullest. Despite his erratic life, which included 103 moves and forty different women, he always remained true to his art.
Today, in an age of technological advancement, we have the privilege of reproducing his artwork as high quality fine art prints. In this way, we honor his life's work and bring his masterful art pieces to life. Our art prints are not only a tribute to Toyohara Kunichika, they are also a celebration of the timeless beauty he captured with every stroke of his brush. By creating these art prints, we are able to keep the legacy of this extraordinary artist alive and share his unforgettable works with the world. In this way, we preserve the spirit of ukiyoe and the artistic virtuosity of Kunichika for generations to come.