Wright Auction

Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, was a prolific Japanese ukiyo-e artist during the 19th century, considered one of the most successful in his field. Initially overshadowed by contemporaries like Hokusai and Hiroshige in Western eyes, Kunisada's reputation saw a resurgence in the late 20th century. Despite early criticism, his skill in capturing the likeness of kabuki actors and portraying women from various walks of life garnered him immense popularity. Kunisada was also adept at rendering scenes at court and depicting battles. His career spanned over five decades, during which time he produced an extraordinary number of prints, making him one of the best-selling designers of Japanese woodblock prints. Kunisada’s work is now recognized for its realism and influence on the ukiyo-e art movement, with his prints displayed in prestigious collections worldwide.