Kuniyoshi

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist of the Utagawa school active during the late Edo period. He is considered one of the major masters of ukiyo-e, renowned for bold, dynamic compositions that depict warriors, legends, actors, and scenes from literature and folklore.

Born in Edo (now Tokyo) in 1797 (some sources give 1798), Kuniyoshi studied under Utagawa Toyokuni I and joined the Utagawa school. He established a prolific workshop and produced prints across genres, including musha-e (warrior prints), yakusha-e (actor portraits), and bijin-ga (images of beautiful women).

Among his best-known works is the Suikoden or Water Margin series portraying the 108 heroic outlaws, along with other legendary figures from Japanese and Chinese literature. He also created politically and historically themed prints and experimented with popular culture subjects.

Style and technique: Kuniyoshi used bold outlines, dramatic diagonals, and vibrant color to convey movement and narrative tension. His multi-figure compositions and dynamic action scenes were influential for later ukiyo-e artists.

Legacy: Kuniyoshi influenced generations of artists in the ukiyo-e tradition and informed modern illustration. His prints are held in major museums worldwide, including the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Tokyo National Museum; he died in Edo in 1861.