Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

Utagawa Kuniyoshi was a prominent ukiyo-e artist who flourished during the late Edo period. Known for his unique and imaginative style, he was often called a 'master of eccentricity.' In recent years, his work has undergone a revival and gained widespread popularity across generations. Displaying exceptional artistic talent from a young age, Kuniyoshi became a pupil of Utagawa Toyokuni I at the age of 15. Although he remained relatively unknown in his twenties, he rose to prominence in his early thirties with a series of prints depicting heroes from the Chinese novel "Water Margin (Suikoden)." In the rankings of ukiyo-e artists at the time, he was noted as a master of warrior prints, in contrast to Hiroshige, who specialized in landscapes.

Alongside his dynamic depictions of powerful warriors, Kuniyoshi also created many humorous and charming caricatures of animals, including cats—his personal favorite—often depicted in human-like forms. His rebellious spirit and sharp social satire resonated strongly with the people of his time, leading to his widespread influence and the formation of the largest school of ukiyo-e artists, a legacy that extended well into the Showa era of Japanese painting.