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 WahooArt.com**

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

**further reading on WahooArt.com**

Questions & Answers

Can I study Utagawa Kunisada Ii's use of color across all works?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii's use of color across the works listed on this website can be studied on the artist's Palette Genome page.

Where is Utagawa Kunisada Ii from?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii was born in Japan.

Can I explore Utagawa Kunisada Ii's works by subject?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii's works can be explored by subject on the artist's Subject Atlas page.

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.

What aliases or alternate names does Utagawa Kunisada Ii have?

Utagawa Kunisada Ii is also known as Toyokuni Iv.

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

Utagawa Kunisada Ii was born in Tokyo in 1823.

How do I find works by Utagawa Kunisada Ii in a specific palette?

The By Palettes page groups Utagawa Kunisada Ii's artworks by their color palettes.

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

To find all works by Utagawa Kunisada Ii in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

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?