Search

Utagawa Kunisada Ii

1823 - 1880

Quick Facts

  • Movements: ukiyo-e
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Best occasions: cultural
  • Color intensity: balanced
  • Room fit:
    • coffee shop
    • restaurant
  • Born: 1823, Tokyo, Japan
  • Creative periods: mature period
  • Vibe: nostalgic

**early life and training**

utagawa kunisada ii, also known as toyokuni iv, was a renowned japanese ukiyo-e print designer born in edo, japan in 1823. he was a pupil of utagawa kunisada i and signed much of his early work under the name kunimasa iii. around 1850-51, he adopted the name kunisada ii, marking his inheritance of the utagawa school.

**artistic style and notable works**

kunisada ii's prints include over 40 series, mostly featuring actors (yakusha-e), as well as portraits of beauties, illustrations of scenes from literature, erotica, and other subjects. one of his most celebrated works is the tale of the eight dog heroes (hakkendun inu no sōshi no uchi), dating from 1852, drawn from kyokutei bakin's epic novel, the satomi clan and the eight dogs (nansō satomi hakkenden).

**legacy and later life**

kunisada ii headed the utagawa school and worked in the style of his master, but never achieved the same level of success. his popularity waned in the meiji period (1868–1912), and he appears to have stopped making prints after 1874. he died on july 20, 1880, and was buried at banshōin kōunji. his buddhist posthumous name is sankōin hōkokujutei shinji.

**notable mentions in WikiOO.org**

**key points in kunisada ii's life**

**further reading on WikiOO.org**

Questions & Answers

How can I see every artwork made by Utagawa Kunisada Ii?

Every work by Utagawa Kunisada Ii on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

Where is Utagawa Kunisada Ii from?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii was born in Japan.

How do I find works by Utagawa Kunisada Ii on a specific theme?

The By Keywords page of Utagawa Kunisada Ii groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

How do I find all works by Utagawa Kunisada Ii in a given medium?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii's works can be browsed by medium on the artist's All Medium page.

Can I browse Utagawa Kunisada Ii's works by movement?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.

What other names is Utagawa Kunisada Ii known by?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii appears under the alternate names Toyokuni Iv.

Is there a chronological account of Utagawa Kunisada Ii?

A chronological account of Utagawa Kunisada Ii's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.

Where can I see Utagawa Kunisada Ii's artworks arranged by atmosphere?

The artist's Mood Room page shows Utagawa Kunisada Ii's artworks arranged by their atmosphere.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
Utagawa Kunisada II (also known as Toyokuni IV) was born in which city?
Question 2:
In what year did Utagawa Kunisada II adopt the name Kunisada II?
Question 3:
Which of the following series is Utagawa Kunisada II most known for?
Question 4:
During which period did Utagawa Kunisada II’s popularity begin to wane?
Question 5:
What was Utagawa Kunisada II's posthumous name?
WikiOO.org © WikiOO.org - All Rights Reserved