Toyokuni
1769-1825
Ukiyoe painter. Also referred to as Ichiyosai and others as Gago. Grown up as a child of a wood puppet carver residing in front of Shibajinmei Shrine and learned under Toyoharu. His series “Yakushabutai no Sugatae” published in 1794 made a great hit attracting people with the streamlines and the bright colors representing a vital spirit. While his rival Sharaku faded away, Toyokuni I became an important person for the actor painting. He also created wonderful beauty and led the Utagawa School, the biggest painting school in the end of Bakufu.
