Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese: 歌川 国芳, [ɯ̟ta̠ɡa̠β̞a̠ kɯ̟ɲ̟iꜜjo̞ɕi]; 1 January 1798 – 14 April 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. He was a member of the Utagawa school.

The range of Kuniyoshi's subjects included many genres: landscapes, women, Kabuki actors, cats, and mythical animals. He is known for depictions of the battles of legendary samurai heroes. His artwork incorporated aspects of Western representation in landscape painting and caricature. He was an excellent teacher and had numerous pupils who continued his branch of the Utagawa school. His most important student was Yoshitoshi.