Warriors Kanki and Watonai from the Kabuki play Kokusenyagassen

Hirosada was one of the most successful printmakers from Osaka during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is thought that he was the pupil of Kunimasu Utagawa. Hirosada produced many yakusha-e, or "actor prints." Depicting Kabuki scenes and famous actors, the genre's popularity peaked during Hirosada's career. His work is known for his exceptionally expressive and dramatic style of of portraiture. Hirosada's work can be found in a number of collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.