Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Early life

Born in Edo in 1786, Kunisada showed an early talent for painting and drawing. Around 1800, Kunisada was accepted as an apprentice to Toyokuni I, the great master of the Utagawa School. He illustrated books, and began designing woodblock prints around 1809. He signed his prints Kunisada until 1844 - 1845, when he adopted the name Toyokuni. He is known as Toyokuni III as he was the third head of the Utagawa School.

Woodblock printing

Kunisada was one of the most popular and prolific woodblock artists of the Edo era, enjoying a successful five-decades-long career. He is best known for his kabuki prints, producing thousands of woodblocks depicting contemporary actors and plays, showing exceptional skill in capturing likenesses and expressions. Kunisada also designed a large number of beauty, sumo, and Genji prints, and collaborated on series with Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi. Notable students of Kunisada include Kunichika and Kunisada II. Toyokuni III remains one of the great masters of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.