Utagawa Yoshitora (歌川芳虎)

Utagawa Yoshitora (歌川芳虎) was an artist whose active period spanned nearly two and a half centuries, from 1615 to 1860. The artist focused primarily on printmaking and book illustration, contributing significantly to graphic arts during this era.

The known output of Utagawa Yoshitora (歌川芳虎) demonstrates a versatility in subject matter, encompassing depictions of daily life, foreign relations, and narrative themes. Documented works include the genre scene English Couple Sharing an Umbrella and the observational study Fireman. The artist also created works capturing cultural landmarks, such as Cherries at Night at New Shimabara. Furthermore, the series work France, from the series Pictures of People from Foreign Lands (Gaikoku jinbutsu zuga) indicates an interest in documenting the evolving international engagement of the period. The inclusion of a Preparatory Drawing for a Warrior Print among preserved materials suggests involvement in historical or dramatic illustration.

A total of 14 prints and one illustrated book representing the artist's output are held in prominent international institutions. Major holdings of Utagawa Yoshitora (歌川芳虎) prints are maintained by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, establishing the artist’s credibility in academic collections. These important works, often reproduced as museum-quality images, highlight the technical skill of the artist. The widespread availability of many such images in the public domain ensures continued access to the artist's historical documentation and printmaking legacy.