Japanese art with a mysterious edge

In 2016, I found myself at the “Fantastique” exhibition at the Petit Palais in Paris, where over 170 works were on display, featuring artists like Goya, Redon, Delacroix, Gustave Doré, and Kuniyoshi. Already a huge fan of Doré, Goya, and Delacroix, I naturally couldn’t resist the chance to see their engravings and lithographs in person. I was also excited to discover new artists who shared this exhibition, and that’s how I became acquainted with the Japanese Utagawa Kuniyoshi.

As someone who appreciates Japanese art—whether it’s bonsai, porcelain tea cups, tattoos, or their exquisite kimonos—I’ve always admired the craftsmanship and the philosophies intertwined in their culture. So, it was no surprise that I quickly fell in love with Kuniyoshi’s work. He masterfully combined the beauty of traditional Japanese art with a darker side that I’ve always felt drawned to.

The Ukiyo-e style of Utagawa Kuniyoshi

From what I’ve learned, Kuniyoshi was something of an underdog within the Ukiyo-e movement. While artists like Hokusai and Utamaro gained widespread recognition, Kuniyoshi faced struggles as an artist, particularly early in his career. This only deepens my appreciation for his work, as I’m often drawn to rebellious spirits. His nonconformist approach set him apart from the decorative Japonism that swept through Europe in the late 19th century, even though he was admired by icons like Monet and Rodin. His prints stand out for their originality and bold framing, characterized by violent depictions of monsters and warriors, humor in shadow play, caricatures, and intricate representations of cats. Kuniyoshi’s graphic style continues to influence both the tattoo world and contemporary manga, making his work all the more fascinating.

Kuniyoshi’s body of work is nothing short of monumental, with a legacy of around 10,000 prints.
He was devoted to capturing the spirit of kabuki actors, women, entertainment, heroes and legendary characters, as well as picturesque landscapes of Edo (today’s Tokyo) where is was born in 1797. The son of a silk dyer, Kuniyoshi honed his artistic skills early, assisting his father in creating designs. His natural talent for drawing quickly became apparent, and in 1811, he joined the so-called Utagawa school, specializing in “images of the floating world” (ukiyo-e)—woodblock prints run by Toyokuni. It was Toyokuni who gave him the name Utagawa Kuniyoshi, acknowledging the transformation of his pupil, originally named Yoshisaburo, into a master artist.

Challenging the status quo, and the government

IIn 1827, Edo was a city under tight government control, with the government imposing severe restrictions on personal freedoms. It was in this climate that Kuniyoshi created his impactful series, “The 108 Heroes of the Tale of Suikoden.” Drawn from a 14th-century Chinese novel, this series depicted the adventures of 108 rebels and heroic bandits, resonating deeply with the oppressed Edo population. The characters’ strong sense of justice struck a chord with people longing for voices of defiance and bravery in a time of repression.

The government increased censorship in 1840 and imposed restrictions on themes and subjects in ukiyo-e prints, including courtesans and kabuki actors—frequent themes in Kuniyoshi’s prints. Far from deterring him, Kuniyoshi embraced these limitations as a creative challenge. He instead used symbolic representation to critique the government, using humanlike animals instead of the actual people to mask their true identity. Genius! As his politically charged works drew the scrutiny of the authorities, it did lead to the surveillance and close monitoring of his activities. While he was never imprisoned or formally punished, the restrictions imposed by the Tokugawa shogunate -which was a military government let by a military leader called shogun- did present significant obstacles. Nonetheless, Kuniyoshi’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity solidified his legacy as a masterful and rebellious artist, he never gave up.

Kuniyoshi’s work also ignited a cultural sensation. The elaborate tattoos of his heroic characters became a popular trend, offering a stark contrast to the Kofun Period’s use of tattoos as a form of punishment for criminals. Kuniyoshi’s prints played a crucial role in shaping tattoo design, and his influence continues to inspire contemporary tattoo artists today.

The history and process of woodblock carving and printing

Woodblock printing, originally developed in China, made its way to Japan in the late 8th century. Initially, it was used to reproduce Buddhist texts, helping to disseminate sacred writings. However, during the Edo period, as urban centers expanded and literacy rates increased, woodblock printing evolved to cater to a broader audience. Publishers began using this technique to produce affordable literature and art, tapping into the growing demand for both. They created not only illustrated books but also standalone images, frequently enlisting famous artists -like Kuniyoshi- to design these prints.

Videos of the craft of wood carving are hard to find. But if you’re interested, there is a British/Canadian woodblock printer and carver on YouTube who recorded every step of this meticulous art.

You have to be made out of a very particular type of wood to be a carver (pun intended). Crafting these intricate designs into wood requires an extraordinary level of skill and patience. Watching David Bull’s video, I’m amazed by the contrast between his seemingly large hands and the tiny slivers of wood he meticulously carves. His use of a microscope to capture the finest brush strokes of the original drawing highlights the incredible attention to detail required.

Many Ukiyo-e prints involve multiple colors, each requiring a separate woodblock, making the creation process span several months or longer depending on the size of the print. The result is visually stunning but also a testament to the time and dedication invested. It’s this meticulous effort and the lengthy process that make each print truly special. One thing’s for sure—I couldn’t manage it, could you?

Dramatic compositions

Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s dynamic and dramatic compositions truly set him apart in the ukiyo-e tradition. His artistic style evolved significantly throughout his career, especially during the 1830s when his work became notably more bold and expressive. This was the period when his his style became more bold and expressive.

Kuniyoshi was a master at capturing movement, often depicting characters in mid-action with flowing garments, wind-swept hair, and exaggerated poses. His prints convey a sense of immediacy and tension, making it feel as though the scene is unfolding right before your eyes. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Kuniyoshi experimented with perspective, using dramatic angles, foreshortening, and overlapping figures to create depth and enhance the action. His characters were brought to life with intense facial expressions, conveying emotions that range from rage and determination to fear and sorrow, adding a profound emotional depth to his work. I can only imagine the incredible skill required to woodcarve such intricate sentiments.

Kuniyoshi ‘s feline friends

Cats hold a special place in Japanese culture, credited with protecting the earliest Buddhist scriptures brought to Japan by safeguarding them from mice during their voyage on ships. These feline guardians carry various cultural meanings—some, like the maneki-neko, are symbols of good luck and fortune, while others, such as the bakeneko, are yōkai, supernatural entities featured in Japanese legends. Beyond their mystical roles, the independent and graceful nature of cats resonates deeply with traditional Japanese values and aesthetics.

Kuniyoshi, like many Japanese people (and let’s not forget the man who drew cats Louis Wain), had a deep affection for cats. As his fame grew, he indulged his love for these creatures by frequently including them in his prints. His studio was famously filled with cats, sometimes just a few, other times over ten. Visitors would often find him at work with a cat snuggled inside his kimono. His devotion to his feline companions was profound—when one passed away, Kuniyoshi would immediately take it to a nearby Buddhist temple and maintained a Buddhist altar at home, dedicated to the memory of his departed cats. I can’t help but imagine how wonderful it would have been to be one of his feline friends, cherished and surrounded by the beauty of his art.

Conclusion

In essence, Kuniyoshi’s art is a celebration of life, imagination, and resistance. It’s rich in detail, emotion, and meaning, making it a joy to look at but also a rewarding experience to study and understand. Whether you’re drawn to his rebellious mind, his dynamic action scenes, his clever use of symbolism, or his charming depictions of everyday life, Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s work offers something for everyone to love.

If you’re interested in seeing Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s art in person, you have several options around the world where his works are on display, especially in museums with extensive collections of Japanese art. But to immerse yourself in the culture, I recommend going to the The Tokyo National Museum, the Edo Tokyo Museum or the Hokusai Museum.