Chapter 2: Hahakigi (The Broom Tree)

Kunisada II (aka Kunimasa III, Toyokuni IV) was the leading student of Kunisada (Toyokuni III). His early work is signed Baido Kunimasa III. In 1846, he married his teacher's eldest daughter and began signing his prints Kunisada II. He again changed his name to Toyokuni IV after his teacher's death in 1864. Frequently using bright aniline colors, Kunisada II’s prints represent the exaggerated style of late ukiyo-e. Kunisada II is best known for his prints of beautiful women and historical subjects. His most famous and collected series is The Tale of Genji.