Kuniyoshi's Caricatures

Along with his warrior pictures, Kuniyoshi was also known for humorous caricatures, and he left behind many fascinating works overflowing with creative ideas and an excellent sense of humor. It is said that Kuniyoshi cleverly evaded the various regulations imposed on portraits of actors and beautiful women by the Tenpo Reforms with his witty solution of anthropomorphizing animals and fish.

Known as a cat lover, Kuniyoshi captured adorable cats with realistic gestures and expressions, and drew anthropomorphic goldfish that are playful and comical. Since cats and goldfish were both widely kept by common people during the Edo period, no doubt the people were captivated by the playful ukiyo-e prints of their beloved pets.