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.
Embark on a visual journey through the ephemeral beauty of Ukiyo-e. Discover the masters of the floating world, from dynamic warriors to Kabuki legends, and explore the profound cultural legacy of Japanese woodblock printing in this expert guide for art enthusiasts.
Explore the profound beauty of Japanese Ukiyo-e art. Discover the legacy of Hokusai and the Utagawa school through an expert exploration of Edo-period aesthetics, seasonal motifs, and the enduring global influence of Japan's 'Floating World' on fine art history.
Embark on a journey through the 'Floating World' with our expert guide to Ukiyo-e. Discover the profound history, legendary masters like Hokusai and Harunobu, and the enduring influence of Japanese woodblock prints on global art history.