Utagawa Kunihisa Ii Enter a
feeling, not
a gallery.
Choose a mood and the room itself answers — the light cools or warms, the air changes pace, and only the works that carry that feeling step forward from the dark. Everything else recedes into shadow.
Utagawa Kunihisa Ii
Utagawa Kunihisa II: A Master of Dynamic Edo Landscapes Utagawa Kunihisa II, born in Tokyo in 1830 and tragically passing away in 1877, stands as a compelling figure within the vibrant tapestry of Ukiyo-e art. Often referred to as Katsuda Hisatarô, Ichiunsai, Ritchôrô, Toyonobu, Yôryûsai, and Yôsai – names reflecting his diverse artistic endeavors and familial connections – Kunihisa II’s legacy resides primarily in his captivating depi
ctions of sumo wrestlers, actors, and the bustling landscapes of Edo-period Japan. He was a student deeply influenced by Utagawa Kunihisa I, inheriting not only technical skills but also a penchant for dramatic composition and the bold use of color that would become hallmarks of his distinctive style. His life, though relatively short, witnessed a pivotal shift in Japanese art, bridging the gap between traditional techniques and the b…