Paars-witte chrysanten

1814

The name Kuniyoshi and a first published work

His apprenticeship over, he is given the name Kuniyoshi and sets out as an independent artist; that same year his first published work appears: the illustrations for “Gobuji Chushingura”, a parody of the original Chushingura story.

1827

Commission for “108 Heroes of the Suikoden”

The publisher Kagaya Kichibei commissions five sheets from him for the print series “108 Heroes of the Suikoden”; the sheets sell well, and Kuniyoshi is given all the remaining “heroes” of the series.

1841–1843

Tenpo Reforms: actors and courtesans banned

The Tenpo Reforms, meant to ease an economic crisis, curb displays of luxury and officially ban the depiction of courtesans and actors. Kuniyoshi answers with caricature prints and comic pictures (giga) that disguise real actors and courtesans; many allegorically criticize the shogunate — for example a 1843 design of Minamoto no Yorimitsu asleep, haunted by the Earth Spider and his demons — and become popular among a politically dissatisfied public.

by 1842

Joins the top three ukiyo-e masters

By 1842 he holds an honored place among the ukiyo-e masters, counted among its three best artists alongside Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kunisada.

1843

A warning from the authorities and destroyed blocks

The authorities warn him for making caricatures of the shogun and his chief minister, and his printing blocks are confiscated and destroyed.

14. April 1861

Died