Kunichika, Toyohara, 1835-1900

N. Toyohara (originally Arakawa) Yasohachi. Go: Beio, Hoshunro, Ichiosai, Kachoro, Kunichika, Shima Sanjin, Sogenshi. Ukiyo-e printmaker. Born in Edo. Pupil first of Toyohara Chikanobu (whose name he took), then of Utagawa Kunisada (among the few of Kunisada’s pupils who did not use the name of Utagawa). Produced prints of actors, sets of views, historical subjects, journalistic illustrations in the late Kunisada tradition, which reflect the declining taste of the public and the worsening color printing. Particularly known for some late okubi-e. A minor artist, but represents the last of the great ukiyo-e tradition. Taken in whole, or in part from: Roberts, Laurance P. A Dictionary of Japanese Artists: Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Prints, Lacquer. Weatherhill, Inc: New York. 1986.