Sumidagaw Watashiba No Zu (Crossing on the Sumida Rivere) from the Kabuki play “Onoe Iwafuji” Sawamura Sojuro V as Iwafugi

Sumidagaw Watashiba No Zu (Crossing on the Sumida Rivere) from the Kabuki play “Onoe Iwafuji” Sawamura Sojuro V as Iwafugi

Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Japanese, 1797 - 1861

woodblock print

print

Kuniyoshi was a son of a silk dyer. He helped his father with designing for the business. His original studies were with Kuninao (1793-1854) but Toyokuni (1769-1825) came across his work. He was admitted to Toyokuni’s school in 1811. When he set out on his own in 1814, he began to experiment at consolidating western styles with traditional styles. He was known for his satire and landscapes. His satire prints are an representation of an outlet for emotions often suppressed in a predominantly feudal society. These prints usually feature animals and plants in human roles. His forte was of his works of warriors. He made historical prints of powerful portrayals of ancient warriors in violent combat. Within his works of battle scenes and portraits of heroes, it displayed his power and talent. He continued his works of women of this type in the 1840s. He also produced some excellent landscapes in the 1830s.

Gift of Dr. Karen Hughes in Honor of Dorothy Naylor Woodbury