In Eijudō Hibino at Seventy-one (Toyokuni I), how is the Utagawa Toyokuni I discussed?
Utagawa Toyokuni (歌川豐國), also known as Toyokuni I, was the second head of the Utagawa school, and one of the most influential and prolific print-makers of the Edo period. From early adolescence, he apprenticed with Utagawa Toyoharu, studying the style of his mentor, as well as those of Chōbunsai Eishi, Utamaro and Eishōsai Chōki. He achieved his greatest commercial success within the genres of bijinga (prints of beautiful women) and, more significantly, kabuki-e and yakusha-e (kabuki and kabuki actor prints). The latter constitute the "overwhelming majority" of his works.His style is praised for its "powerful and vivid lines," "striking color contrasts," "decorative bombast," and "bold, taut designs." He is credited with innovating polyptych formats, and with training prominent pupils, including Kunisada and Kuniyoshi. The copiousness stemming from his success appears to have taken a toll, however. The contemporary consensus is that the quality of his later work "shows a marked decline," and even "degenerated frequently into sheer grotesquerie." Some contend his talent was "predominantly imitative," resulting more from study than "intuitive genius."
Utagawa Toyokuni I Utagawa Toyoharu bijinga yakusha-e Kuniyoshi Eishōsai Chōki Edo period Utagawa school Kunisada Utamaro Utagawa Toyokuni