Utagawa Kunikazu

1847 ~ 1881

Utagawa Kunikazu, also known as Isshūsai, was an ukiyo-e artist from Ōsaka active from around 1847 to 1881, spanning the late Edo and early Meiji periods. He produced hundreds of print designs, and new works continue to be identified as research on his oeuvre progresses.
Kunikazu worked primarily in the chūban format, occasionally producing mameban and only rarely larger ōban prints. Although best known for his yakusha-e (actor prints), he expanded his repertoire well beyond the typical focus of Ōsaka printmakers, creating landscapes, bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), Nagasaki-e, musha-e (warrior prints), sensō-e (war prints), and kachō-ga (bird-and-flower prints).
Kunikazu may have spent time in Edo studying under Utagawa Kunisada, an experience that likely influenced his artistic development. In addition to his celebrated actor prints, he also designed landscapes and kuchi-e (book frontispieces), demonstrating a versatility that distinguishes him within the Kamigata ukiyo-e tradition.

Artwork Description Sold Out
Arashi Kichisaburō III and Jitsukawa Enzaburō I as Sasahara Sammonosuke and Sasahara Hayato
Edo
Buzen, historically known as Buzen-no-kuni (豊前国), was located in the northeastern part of Kyūshū, corresponding today to southeastern Fukuoka Prefecture and northwestern Ōita Prefecture. During the Edo period, much of the province fell under the rule of the Kokura Domain (Kokura han, 小倉藩), governed by the Ogasawara clan (小笠原氏), while some areas were controlled by the smaller Nakatsu Domain (Nakatsu han, 中津藩). The history of Buzen is shaped by the influence of these ruling clans and its strategic geographic position.
The Kokura Domain, with Kokura Castle (Kokura jō, 小倉城) at its heart, played a central role in the region`s administration. The Ogasawara family ruled the domain until the end of the Edo period and contributed to its cultural development, particularly through the promotion of Aganoyaki pottery and the tea ceremony. However, their rule was also marked by difficulties, including economic hardship and internal strife known as the “Ogasawara Disturbances.” Despite these challenges, the domain is remembered for its cultural accomplishments and the enduring legacy of Kokura Castle.
Sold Out