Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a ukiyo-e artist known as a "painter of eccentric imagination," will be the subject of an exhibition exploring his diverse talents, "Ukiyo-e Super Creator: Utagawa Kuniyoshi Exhibition," which will be held at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art from July 18 to September 23, 2026.
"Miyamoto Musashi and the Giant Whale," circa 1847, private collection.
Kuniyoshi, who was active in the late Edo period, was a true super-creator of the ukiyo-e world, producing top-notch works in every genre, from portraits of beautiful women and actors to landscapes. This exhibition will showcase approximately 200 works by this "all-rounder," including his most famous pieces, as well as works that fully demonstrate his extraordinary talent. His diverse activities will be presented in a six-act structure that can be enjoyed like watching a movie or a play.
"One of the 2 Heroes of the Japanese Water Margin: Tengan Isobe, Yasha Arashi" (circa 1831, private collection)
"Picture of the Sanuki-in Retainers Rescuing Tametomo," 1851 (Kaei 4), Private Collection
Act 1, "KUNIYOSHI's Action!", features warrior paintings, which became Kuniyoshi's first and greatest hit genre. Numerous triptychs are also on display, allowing visitors to enjoy a cinematic, immersive experience that fills the entire screen.
"Picture of a Tsuchigumo (earth spider) monster at the residence of Lord Minamoto no Yorimitsu," Tenpo 14 (1843), Private collection
Act 2, "KUNIYOSHI's Monsters!", features works depicting fantastical monsters and spirits, including Kuniyoshi's masterpiece "The Old Palace of Soma." The exceptional descriptive power, such as the skeletons which appear to have been based on Western anatomical diagrams, is also a highlight.
"Ten Wise Women Fan: Gion Kaji" (circa 1844-47), Private Collection
Act 3, "KUNIYOSHI's Beauty!", features an exhibition of portraits of beautiful women. Kuniyoshi's portraits of beautiful women are characterized by their grand poses and a healthy, refreshing allure. Furthermore, pay attention to the patterns of the kimonos, which reflect his background as a dyer.
"Kuniyoshi Pattern: Cash Man with Price Tag, Nosara Gosuke," circa 1844-45, Private Collection
"Famous Places in Edo: Tsukudajima" Early Tenpo period (circa 1831-33) Private collection
"People Gather Together to Become a Person" (circa 1847) Private Collection
In addition, the exhibition continues with "KUNIYOSHI's Handsome!", a collection of portraits of actors that brilliantly capture their expressions and characteristics; "KUNIYOSHI's Vision!", which introduces landscape paintings that incorporate the techniques of Western painting; and "KUNIYOSHI's Idea!", which features caricatures that are Kuniyoshi's forte, such as people being gathered together to form human figures or cats gathering to form letters, allowing visitors to experience Kuniyoshi's wide-ranging world of expression.
"Cat's kanji for pufferfish," circa late Tenpo era (1841-43), private collection.
Furthermore, immersive art videos will be shown at the venue, offering an experience that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Utagawa Kuniyoshi dedicated himself to entertainment to delight the people of Edo. We, living in the modern age, are sure to be deeply moved by the passion of this extraordinary creator.
◆Ukiyo-e Super Creator Utagawa Kuniyoshi Exhibition
[Period] July 18, 2026 (Saturday) to September 23, 2026 (Wednesday/Holiday)
[Venue] Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art, Main Building, North Corridor, 1st Floor
[Opening hours] 10:00-18:00 (entrance until 17:30)
[Closed] Mondays
*However, the museum will be open on July 20th (Monday, public holiday) and September 21st (Monday, public holiday).
[Price]
On the day: General admission 1,900 yen, high school/university students 1,400 yen, elementary/junior high school students 700 yen
Advance tickets/group tickets: General admission 1,700 yen, high school/university students 1,200 yen, elementary/junior high school students 500 yen
Advance pair tickets: 3,000 yen (sold as a set of two tickets; can be used individually). Limited to 1,000 sets (2,000 tickets).
Ticket includes an original exhibition-patterned Kyoto Yuzen "Ofuki" (kimono cloth). 2,800Yen 1,000limited edition
