NEO – EDO : Kunichika Toyohara

 

 

 25 Jan 2025 – 24 Feb 2025

 

 

We are pleased to present “Neo-Edo,” a solo exhibition of Kunichika Toyohara (1835–1900), as the first project of the new year at our gallery.

 

Kunichika Toyohara was an influential ukiyo-e artist of the Utagawa school who thrived from the late Edo period to the Meiji era, particularly excelling in portraits of kabuki actors. His works are characterized by their vibrant multicolor printing and bold compositions. The “large-head actor portraits (ōkubi-e)” are especially striking, featuring dramatic, penetrating gazes that captivate viewers. Additionally, his triptych prints with wide, horizontal formats capture kabuki actors in dynamic poses, almost as if foretelling the cinematic techniques that would emerge later. Furthermore, his “backstage prints (gakuya-e )” depict the backstage lives of actors with remarkable realism, offering a perspective akin to today’s fan culture, or “oshi-katsu,” that resonated deeply with the public. These innovations elevated ukiyo-e to a new artistic dimension.

 

Kunichika’s works were immensely popular during his lifetime, with over 13,000 pieces confirmed to exist today. However, as the actors he portrayed faded from public memory after his death, his art too fell into obscurity. Unlike artists such as Utamaro, Hokusai, and Sharaku, whose works influenced the Impressionists, Kunichika’s pieces remained under-appreciated. This can be attributed in part to the differing evaluation criteria in the West, which often emphasized the “sublime artistry” of ukiyo-e—a concept that diverged from Kunichika’s style.

 

Kunichika was more than a traditional artist; his works suggest a futuristic vision of “Edo” as a fictional construct. Even during the rapidly Westernizing Meiji era, he steadfastly adhered to Edo motifs. His approach, blending a nostalgic aesthetic with the technological advancements of his time (such as advanced carving and printing techniques), can be described as pioneering “retro-pop.”

 

Moreover, elements reminiscent of Japan’s “visual-kei” or “glam rock” aesthetics are prominently evident in his works. In fact, Kunichika can be seen as a precursor to these modern artistic movements.

 

Kunichika’s exaggerated expressions, dramatic poses, flamboyant battle scenes, and glamorous depictions of tattoos evoke the work of an “imaginary ukiyo-e artist” from 150 years ago. These elements resonate strongly with contemporary street art, pop art, and animation, embodying a playful kitsch appeal.

 

Through this exhibition, we invite you to experience Kunichika’s unique perspective—a suspended visual journey where “Edo” and “the future” intersect. The exhibition will feature approximately 35 woodblock prints.

 

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Dates : January 25, 2025 – February 24, 2025, Fri. 13:00 – 20:00, Sat, Sun, Mon, Holidays: 13:00 – 18:00 (Closed: Tue, Wed, Thu)
Venue : Aoyama Meguro, 2-30-6 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0051, Japan

 

 

Additionally, Kunichika’s works are being featured concurrently at three other museums, each offering a unique perspective. Exploring these exhibitions together will provide a deeper appreciation of Kunichika’s multifaceted artistry.

 

 

Kunichika Exhibitions in the museums :

 

[ The Dynamism of Meiji: Kunichika Toyohara Exhibition]

Kawasaki Ukiyo-e Gallery Saito Fumio Collection

January 5, 2025 (Sun) – February 9, 2025 (Sun)

https://www.tokyoartbeat.com/en/events/-/Kunichika-Toyohara-Exhibition/kawasaki-ukiyo-e-gallery-saito-fumio-collection/2025-01-05#google_vignette

 

190 Years Since the Birth of Toyohara Kunichika

Kabuki Prints:

First Exhibition of Treasured Ukiyo-e Prints

Seikado Bunko Art Museum

January 25, 2025 (Sat) – March 23, 2025 (Sun)

https://www.seikado.or.jp/english/english-exhibition/

 

[190th Anniversary of Kunichika Toyohara]

Ota Memorial Museum of Art

February 1, 2025 (Sat) – March 26, 2025 (Wed) 

First Term: February 1, 2025 (Sat) – February 24, 2025 (Mon, Holiday)

Second Term: March 1, 2025 (Sat) – March 26, 2025 (Wed)

(*All exhibits will change between terms.)

https://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/eng/exhibition/

 



川友右衛門(市川左団次) 1899

復讐  誓彦山おその 1873

見立奇術競 1885

鳶の傳吉  市村家橘 1864

壁のむだ書いろいろ 1867

写真楽屋鏡  河原崎三升1868