Title : Kochö (Chapter 24)

Artist : Toyohara Kunichika

Date : c. 1884

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : Kunichika was a student of Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864). Thus, like Kunisada, his specialty was actor prints. Kunichika tried to maintain the tradition of Edo period ukiyo-e even in the Meiji period, when the spread of Western culture and technology throughout Japan was tremendous. Three of Kunichika's prints (shown here) demonstrate strong influence from the West, by the use of aniline (chemically synthesized) dyes. The bright red and purple elements are particularly striking. Meiji prints created with aniline dyes are often called aka-e (meaning “red picture”) due to their outstanding red color, which is a distinguishing characteristic of Meiji prints. (from Tale of Genji exhibition 1/11/06-)

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