Sadahide, Utagawa, 1807-1873

N. Utagawa (originally Hashimoto) Kenjiro. Go: Gountei, Gyokuo, Gyokuran, Ghykuransai, Gyokurantei, Sadahide. Ukiyo-e printmaker. Worked in Edo and Yokohama. Pupil of Kunisada. A prolific printmaker and illustrator, producing some theatrical prints in the Osaka manner as well as prints of traditional Japanese subjects and, after Yokohama was opened to the West, of contemporary industrial scenes and foreigners. Also made political cartoons and copied many works by earlier artists. One of the eleven Japanese printmakers who presented their works at the Paris Exposition of 1866, receiving the Legion d’Honneur for his part in the exhibition. Sometimes called a member of the Yokohama school. One of the last to depict ukiyo-e subjects. His effective and decorative prints show the influence of Western perspective and chiaroscuro. 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.