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Neo – Edo : Kunichika Toyohara
Aoyama｜Meguro
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Artists
Kunichika Toyohara
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 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.
Kunichika Toyohara was an influential ukiyo-e artist 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.
Schedule | Jan 25 (Sat) 2025-Feb 24 (Mon) 2025 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Venue | Aoyama｜Meguro http://aoyamameguro.com/en/  | ||||
| Location | 2-30-6 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0051 | ||||
| Access | 8 minute walk from Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko or Hibiya line. | ||||
| Phone | 03-3711-4099 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it        |
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