A stunning new exhibition of prints by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) is an exciting follow up from Liverpool’s Lady Lever Art Gallery’s previous exhibition Edo Pop.
Toyohara Kunichika was one of the most important 19th century print makers in Japan. Born in Edo (present day Tokyo), he was trained by Kunisada, a leading print maker of the time, and went on to be a highly original master in his own right.
Kunichika embraced modern subjects and his prints reflected the great social and political change in Japan at the time. He was best known for his depictions of the Kabuki theatre, capturing the drama and excitement of scenes from popular plays and famous actors.
More than 60 of Kunichika’s hand-printed single, double and triptych prints feature in this must-see exhibition, which is the first in a national gallery outside of Japan to focus on his work.
The gallery will be host to a Tanabata Festival on Thursday 9th June, a fun-packed family day celebrating Japanese culture, delivered in partnership with the Japan Society North West.
Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a Japanese festival originating from the Chinese Qixi Festival, celebrating the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi.
• Kunichika: Japanese Prints runs until 22nd September 2022 at the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, CH62 5EQ | Open Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am – 6.00pm
• Books featuring the work of Toyohara Kunichika on AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)
With thanks to David Hathaway-Price for the heads up
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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