Print

Art Historical Context

This vibrant woodblock print by Utagawa Kunis (1786–1865), a master of the ukiyo-e tradition during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), captures dynamic interplay between men and tigers. Created in the 19th century using ink and color on paper the image measures 13⅝ × 9⅝ inches, a standard size for these affordable, mass-produced artworks that brought art to the masses. Kunisada, also known as Toyokuni III, was one of the most prolific ukiyo-e artists, renowned for his bold compositions, expressive figures, and intricate use of color achieved through collaborative woodblock carving and printing techniques. Ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," celebrated fleeting pleasures like theater, nature, and urban life amid Edo's prosperity. Tigers, exotic symbols of power and ferocity influenced by Chinese lore, often appeared in kabuki-inspired scenes or genre prints, adding drama and tension. This print exemplifies Kunisada's skill in rendering movement and emotion, blending realism with stylized flair to engage viewers. Generously gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1914 by the Estate of Samuel Isham, it offers a window into Japan's vibrant print culture, where art democratized beauty and storytelling for everyday people.

About the Artist

Utagawa Kunisada · 1786–1864

**Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865)** Born in 1786 in the Honjo district of Edo (modern Tokyo), Utagawa Kunisada hailed from a family with a hereditary ferry-boat service that provided financial stability, allowing him to pursue art from a young age. His father, an amateur poet of note, died shortly after his birth, leaving young Sumida Shōgorō (Kunisada's childhood name) to nurture his evident talent...