Utagawa Kunisada IiPaintings, Biography and Museum Collections

1823 - 1880

Quick Facts

  • Mediums: woodblock print
  • Died: 1880
  • Born: 1823, Tokyo, Japan
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Room fit:
    • coffee shop
    • restaurant
  • Vibe: nostalgic
  • Topics explored:
    • ukiyo-e
    • edo period
    • traditional clothing
    • japanese print
    • kimono

**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 Mus3ums.com**

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

**further reading on Mus3ums.com**

Questions & Answers

Where is Utagawa Kunisada Ii from?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii was born in Japan.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Utagawa Kunisada Ii?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii was born in Tokyo in 1823.

What are the birth city and country of Utagawa Kunisada Ii?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii was born in Tokyo, in Japan.

In which historical period did Utagawa Kunisada Ii work?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

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?



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