Koryusai (1735-1790)

Isoda Koryūsai, born in 1735, transitioned from samurai to renowned ukiyo-e print designer after becoming a masterless rōnin. He moved to Edo, where he began his art career under the name Haruhiro, initially focusing on samurai themes before shifting to scenes from the pleasure districts following the death of print master Harunobu in 1770. Awarded the prestigious Buddhist honour hokkyō in 1782, Koryūsai's prolific output included the extensive beauty print series "Models for Fashion: New Designs as Fresh Young Leaves," alongside numerous pillar prints, bird-and-flower prints, and erotic prints, making him one of the era's most productive artists.

Despite his significant contributions and the enduring popularity of his works, which are held in major museums worldwide including the British Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Koryūsai has been somewhat overlooked in scholarly studies, often seen as derivative of Harunobu and overshadowed by Kiyonaga. However, the lasting appeal of his detailed and vibrant depictions of Edo culture was highlighted in 2021 when contemporary printmaker David Bull created a series inspired by Koryūsai’s designs, underscoring the timeless relevance of his work in the world of Japanese art.

Signatures from left to right: Koryūsai Haruhiro ga, Koryū ga, Koryūsai ga