Kunisada, born Utagawa Kunisada (1786 – 1865), was one of the most prolific and influential artists of Ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art prevalent from the 17th through the 19th centuries. His work encompasses a wide range of themes including kabuki actors, beautiful women (bijin-ga), historical scenes, and landscapes.
Kunisada was born in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to a relatively well-off family. He began his artistic training under Toyokuni, the head of the Utagawa school, at the age of 14. He was given the name Kunisada, which he would use for most of his career, although later he also used the name Toyokuni III in honor of his master.
His early works focused on kabuki actor prints, which were immensely popular. His prints were characterized by their vibrant colors, dynamic poses, and the detailed portrayal of the actors' costumes and expressions. Kunisada's designs often captured the essence of the performance, making them highly sought after by theatre enthusiasts and collectors.
Kunisada's work had a significant impact on the development of Ukiyo-e. His popularity helped to sustain the genre during the late Edo period when it was facing competition from Western art techniques. His influence can be seen in the works of later artists like Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi, who also belonged to the Utagawa school.
His designs were not only popular in Japan but also influenced Western artists during the Japonisme movement, where Japanese art and aesthetics inspired European art.
In 1844, Kunisada changed his name to Toyokuni III to honor his master and to reflect his own status as a leading artist in the school. This change was partly due to a tradition where artists would take on their master's name upon reaching a high level of mastery.
Kunisada died in 1865, and although his work was somewhat overshadowed by the popularity of Hokusai and Hiroshige during his lifetime, his contributions to Ukiyo-e have been increasingly recognized in the 20th and 21st centuries. Exhibitions and studies on his work continue to highlight his importance in the history of Japanese art.