Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川國芳)
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川國芳) was an artist and printmaker whose documented activity spans the period from 1615 to 1800. While recognized primarily for his Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川國芳) prints, institutional records confirm fifteen works represented in museum collections, including fourteen individual prints and one book. These holdings establish his historical significance, with examples of his output preserved at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The surviving works demonstrate the artist’s engagement with literary references, historical figures, and complex narratives typical of the woodblock tradition. Key cataloged works include the illustrated volume Book of Humorous Poems (Kyōka shū). Narrative pieces are represented by Recovering the Stolen Jewel from the Palace of the Dragon King and the literary scene Illustration of Poem by the Emperor Kwoko. Other specific prints include Picture of Mitsumata and the distinctively titled Roshungi (Chinese, Lu Zhunyi) as a Woman with a Pipe Riding on a Buffalo.
The inclusion of these works in major collections allows for their widespread study. Today, many of the artist’s works from this era are recognized as being in the public domain, facilitating access to high-quality prints for educational purposes and reproduction.
