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Utagawa Kunisada Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Utagawa Kunisada · 1786 – 1865

The Kabuki Actor Kawaharazaki Gonjuro as Kagekiyo

Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn · original 36 x 25 cm

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Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The Actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Subashiri no Kumagoro

1859 · Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn · original 25 x 37 cm

Explore Utagawa Kunisada IV's masterpiece "The Actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Subashiri no Kumagoro", a stunning woodblock print capturing the drama of Kabuki theater and showcasing masterful color palette and detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Ichikawa Danjuro VII Wielding an Axe wearing a White haired Wig

1825 · Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn · original 16 x 20 cm

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Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17530 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Memorial Portrait of the Actor Ichikawa Ōmezō I

1858 · original 90 x 32 cm

Admire Utagawa Kunisada’s 1858 'Memorial Portrait' of Ichikawa Ōmezō I – a stunning Kabuki actor portrait in rich colors & calligraphy. Explore Edo-period art!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23132 × 90 cm Commission at original size

Ronins attack on the house of lord Kira (left panel of a triptych)

Witness Utagawa Kunisada’s dramatic ‘Ronin Attack’ woodblock print! A vibrant Edo-era scene of rebellion & chaos, showcasing bold lines & muted colors. Explore this iconic ukiyo-e masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30027 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Iwai Kumesaburō II

1827 · original 90 x 35 cm

A dignified Ukiyo-e portrait of Kabuki actor Iwai Kumesaburō II by master Utagawa Kunisada featuring a symbolic purple silk head covering, offering a rare glimpse into Edo period elegance for your private collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17522 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23935 × 90 cm Commission at original size

Goemon Ishikawa and his son Goroichi

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Sexual Life Rules

original 52 x 37 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20337 × 52 cm Commission at original size

Ohnomatsu_Midorinosuke

Discover Utagawa Kunisada’s portrait of Ohnomatsu Midorinosuke! A stunning ukiyo-e woodblock print showcasing Edo period elegance & power. Explore Japanese art history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

The Hell Courtesan

1850 · original 165 x 101 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$633101 × 165 cm Commission at original size

Sumo wrestler Somagahana Fuchiemon

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The Actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Osarabakuzo Denji

1859 · original 25 x 37 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Sumo Spectators

1853

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Moonlight View of Tsukuda with Lady on a Balcony

original 37 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Ichikawa Danjûrô as Unno Kotarô Yukiuji (Disguised as Yamagatsu Buô) from a Kamoise at the Ichmuraza Theatre

View the most popular artwork of Utagawa Kunisada ranked #15: Ichikawa Danjûrô as Unno Kotarô Yukiuji (Disguised as Yamagatsu Buô) from a Kamoise at the Ichmuraza Theatre

1828

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17530 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The Spectre

Witness Utagawa Kunisada’s ‘The Spectre,’ a haunting ukiyo-e print featuring an Onryo spirit. Explore dramatic lighting, rich detail & Japanese woodblock art.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

The Actor in the Ichikawa Family

original 36 x 25 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Seascape

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17539 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Kabuki Actor Kawaharazaki Gonjuro as Kagekiyo

original 36 x 24 cm

Experience Utagawa Kunisada’s masterpiece! A vibrant woodblock print of Kawaharazaki Gonjuro as Kagekiyo, a legendary Kabuki actor. Authentic ukiyo-e art for collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The Actor Reading a Scroll

original 36 x 25 cm

Admire Utagawa Kunisada’s "The Actor Reading a Scroll" – a stunning ukiyo-e masterpiece depicting tranquility & Japanese culture. Explore this 19th-century artwork's beauty.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Dietary Life Rules

original 50 x 37 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20037 × 50 cm Commission at original size

Surimono

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Ghost

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

The Actor

original 35 x 24 cm

Admire "The Actor" by Utagawa Kunisada II – a stunning Edo-period ukiyo-e woodblock print. Explore its vibrant colors, detailed scene & Japanese cultural significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Kagamiiwa Hamanosuke, sumo wrestler

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 37 artworks by Utagawa Kunisada
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Utagawa Kunisada

1786 – 1865

Quick facts

Also known asUtagawa Toyokuni III, Kunisada, Kôchôrô Toyokuni, Toyokuni Utagawa, Sanjin
Copyright statusPublic domain
Creative periodsmature period
Top-ranked workThe Kabuki Actor Kawaharazaki Gonjuro as Kagekiyo
Works on APS37
Museums on APSBrooklyn Museum
Color intensitybalanced
Art period19th Century

Biography

The Maestro of Edo’s Artistic Zenith

Utagawa Kunisada, born Sumida Shōgorō IX in the vibrant district of Honjo, Japan, stands as arguably the most celebrated ukiyo-e artist of the 19th century. His prolific output and unparalleled commercial success cemented his position as a titan amongst his contemporaries—Hiroshige, Hokusai, and Kuniyoshi—establishing him as the undisputed champion of color woodblock printing during the Edo period. While European collectors initially regarded these masters as inferior to classical ukiyo-e artists, a resurgence of appreciation in the mid-20th century has rightfully elevated Kunisada’s stature, recognizing him as one of the foremost figures in Japanese artistic history.

Kunisada's formative years were marked by familial stability stemming from his father’s modest ferry service business, a circumstance that afforded him a degree of financial security uncommon for artists of his time. His father, an amateur poet, instilled in Kunisada a deep passion for literature and artistic expression. Recognizing his innate talent, the legendary Toyokuni I, the dominant figure of the Utagawa school and a renowned Kabuki designer, took Kunisada under his wing as an apprentice. This apprenticeship imparted invaluable knowledge of theatrical art and printmaking techniques, solidifying Kunisada’s connection to the Utagawa lineage. The studio name kuni-sada, derived from Toyokuni I's surname, symbolized this heritage and foreshadowed Kunisada’s own enduring legacy as a leader in the field.

A Mastery of Color and Character

As his career blossomed, Kunisada became a master of capturing the ephemeral beauty of the "floating world." His work is characterized by an extraordinary ability to breathe life into his subjects through vibrant colors and meticulous detail. He achieved unparalleled success in several distinct genres:

Yakusha-e: His iconic portraits of Kabuki actors, which captured the dramatic intensity and stylized movements of the stage with psychological depth.
Bijin-ga: His exquisite depictions of beautiful women, where he utilized flowing lines and intricate patterns to convey elegance and grace.
Musha-e: His dynamic prints of legendary warriors and historical scenes, showcasing his command over action and composition.

The technical brilliance of Kunisada lay in his ability to push the boundaries of woodblock printing. He utilized a rich palette that became synonymous with the aesthetic of late Edo Japan. His compositions were not merely decorative; they were narrative powerhouses that reflected the social pulse of the era, from the high drama of the theater to the quiet elegance of the tea house.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The historical significance of Utagawa Kunisada cannot be overstated. He was not just a painter but a cultural chronicler who documented the zenith of Edo's urban culture. His work bridged the gap between traditional craftsmanship and the burgeoning commercial art market, making high-quality art accessible to a wide audience. Though his fame faced a period of relative obscurity in the West during the early modern era, contemporary scholarship has reclaimed him as a central pillar of Japanese art.

Today, we look back at Kunisada not merely as a successor to Toyokuni I, but as an artist who redefined the possibilities of the ukiyo-e medium. His influence can be seen in the evolution of graphic design and the continued reverence for Japanese printmaking worldwide. To study Kunisada is to witness the very heartbeat of 19th-century Japan, captured in ink, pigment, and wood.

Questions & Answers

How did Utagawa Kunisada's art evolve over time?

A chronological account of Utagawa Kunisada's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.

What moods do Utagawa Kunisada's artworks express?

The artist's Mood Room page shows Utagawa Kunisada's artworks arranged by their atmosphere.

How can I see every artwork made by Utagawa Kunisada?

Every work by Utagawa Kunisada on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

What was Utagawa Kunisada’s given name?
Kunisada's studio name 'Kochoro' was derived from the pseudonyms of:
Kunisada is considered as one of the ‘giants’ of Japanese print art due to:
Kunisada’s signature 'Toyokuni III' appeared on prints until:
Kunisada was born in:

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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