Yoshitoshi and Kunichika – Beauties of Modern Age

Both Meiji-era giants of ukiyo-e, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) and Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) treaded rather different paths as artists, with the former perhaps most famous for his muzan-e ('bloody prints', depicting mainly gruesome murders), while the latter focused on developing the traditional themes of landscapes and kabuki scenes – when he wasn't busy getting drunk in Yoshiwara. Still, the two men shared a love for beautiful women, many of whom they depicted in famed series like 'Thirty-two Aspects of Women' (Yoshitoshi) and 'Twenty-four Hours of a Day' (Kunichika). Both of these series are on display at the Ota Museum's latest exhibition, which also features related work by masters like Utagawas Kuniyoshi and Kunisada. Check out the museum's exhibit page for a preview.