Ippitsusai Buncho (1765-1792)

Ippitsusai Bunchō was an esteemed artist and printmaker from the samurai class who initially trained in the Kanō school, focusing on traditional subjects like birds, flowers, and Chinese sages. However, in the late 1760s, he transitioned to ukiyo-e and collaborated with Harunobu, marking a significant shift in his artistic career towards a more popular and accessible art form.

Under Ishikawa Yukimoto's guidance, Bunchō developed a distinctive style of realistic portraiture, particularly of actors. His male figures are known for their slender, rounded lines that convey volume and individuality. His most notable work, "Ehon Butai Ōgi" (1770), created with Katsukawa Shunshō, is celebrated for its realistic 'likeness' (nigao-e) of actors. Though rare, his prints, especially those depicting women, are highly regarded for their quality and unique style. Bunchō's portrayals of women are hauntingly enigmatic, characterised by graceful yet slightly menacing features. Despite the uncertainty of his exact death date, Bunchō's contributions to ukiyo-e remain highly esteemed in Japanese art history.