Kyosai Kawanabe (1831-1889)

Kyoshi Kawanabe, born in Koga as the son of a samurai, witnessed Japan's transformation from the Edo to the Meiji period. His artistic journey began under the guidance of ukiyo-e master Utagawa Kuniyoshi and later at the Kanō school, though he quickly deviated to embrace a freer style, earning the nickname "The Painting Demon" from his teacher Maemura Tōwa. Known for his bold caricatures, Kyoshi's work became politically charged during the upheavals around the 1867 revolution, gaining him notoriety as a caricaturist.

Regarded as the greatest successor to Hokusai and Japan’s first political caricaturist, Kyoshi’s art was as vibrant and undisciplined as his life, which was marked by a love for sake. His lack of Hokusai's dignity was compensated by his lively exuberance and technical excellence. In 1874, Kyoshi, with Kanagaki Robun, launched "Eshinbun Nipponchi," Japan’s first manga magazine, drawing inspiration from the earlier Japan Punch. Though short-lived, this publication was a pivotal moment in manga history.

Beyond his caricatures, Kyoshi produced a diverse array of artworks, including themes from folklore, nature, nôh drama, and religion, like the notable "Renjishi" and "Flowers and Birds," displayed at significant exhibitions. His legacy is preserved at the Kawanabe Kyōsai Memorial Museum in Warabi, Saitama Prefecture, established in 1977, which showcases a vast collection of his works, continuing to celebrate his contribution to Japanese art and culture.

Portrait of the artist Kyosai Kawanabe

Signature: Jokū Kyōsai zu