Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) is known as a painter of “eccentric” works which depicted dynamic heroes and unique caricatures, and thus struck out in a new direction in the world of ukiyoe at the end of the Edo Period. Kuniyoshi’s reliable boss persona attracted many young artists as his apprentices, and the Kuniyoshi family kept challenging new themes and expressions during the ever-changing and turbulent times. Above all, Tsukioka Hōnen (1839-1892) has been rediscovered in recent years and has earned a good reputation as an artist who promoted the fusion of ukiyoe and Western-style painting.
This exhibition displays some 150 works selected from the abundant ukiyoe collection of the Nagoya City Museum, and focuses on the inheritance and modification of various aspects by Kuniyoshi’s apprentices, which Kuniyoshi developed with his vigorous curiosity, flexible mindsets and strong expressiveness.
Please be aware of that the exhibition includes some displays which may be shocking or traumatic; it is recommended to be viewed when you are in a good condition.