Ippitsusai Bunchō

Ippitsusai Bunchö was a samurai who first studied Kanö painting. In the mid-1760s, he fell under the spell of Harunobu and the first nishiko-e. His earliest work shows the influence of this master.

- - - - - - -

Bunchö was influenced by Harunobu, but all of his prints show great individuality and distinction and would never be mistaken for those of Harunobu. The artistic level of his work is very high, perhaps with that of Toshinobu, the very highest in ukiyo-e. His work is quite rare.

- - - - - - -

The dates of Ippitsusai Bunchö, who worked in the late 1760s and 1770s, are unknown. His prints are valued as much for their rarity as for their great individuality. He was able to successfully combine the styles of Harunobu and Shunshö into highly compelling and haunting designs. They are lyrical, yet realistically brilliant, yet tinged with a quality of peculiarity that at once fascinates. He was a student of an obscure Kanö artist and also a haiku poet, but it is his art in the Harunobu manner for which he is best remembered. Despite the influence of Harunobu on our artist, his prints are of such great individuality that they are easily distinguished from those of Harunobu.

Research by: Howard A. Link.