Watanai in Kabuki SceneWatanai in Kabuki Scene

During his time, Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) was by the far the most well known and accomplished ukiyo-e artist, exceeding even his contemporaries Hiroshige, Hokusai and Kuniyoshi. Departing from the classical forms of ukiyo-e, his style was considered decadent but nevertheless a trendsetter and in tune to the tastes of the public. Keeping with the Utagawa school traditions, most of Kunisada's works portray kabuki actors and scenes from dramatic plays.