Katsukawa Shuntei

Katsukawa Shuntei was a prolific Japanese artist active during a 50-year period, spanning 1770 to 1820. Their known oeuvre consists of both prints and paintings, though works represented in major collections demonstrate a significant emphasis on the woodblock medium. Approximately ten of their prints are held in institutional collections, supplemented by documentation of two Katsukawa Shuntei paintings.

The artist’s known works cover a range of subjects, including theatrical scenes and figure studies. Noteworthy compositions include the Kabuki portrayal The Actor Yoshizawa Ayame II As the Wrestler Kurokumo Onzo Off Stage, alongside character pieces such as Geisha Seated and Eguchi no Kimi. Other figure studies, like Ono-no-Komachi Looking at Her Reflection and Examining the Painting, indicate an interest in classical and historical subjects.

The historical significance of Shuntei is confirmed by the inclusion of their work in prominent American collections, specifically the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. A significant portion of the artist’s output is now considered public domain, allowing for widespread access. These historical images are frequently released as high-quality prints and royalty-free downloadable artwork, ensuring scholarly and public engagement with the artist’s legacy.