Konishi Hirosada

Hirosada is particularly known for his diptychs and triptychs, and for his many ōkubi-e portraits of the leading actors on the Osaka kabuki stage during his day.

[6] Following the relaxation of the Tempō Reforms in 1847, Hirosada became a major designer of medium-sized chūban prints, the format championed by his mentor Kunimasu.

"[9] Hirosada produced designs for a number of Osaka-based publishing houses including Kitakagawa, Kyoisa, Isakichi, Kawato, Tenki and Meikōdō.

[12] Born Kyōmaruya Seijirō, he apparently began his artistic career as Hirokuni (廣國/ 広国), switching to Hirosada in mid-1847.

[15] In addition to these recognized names, some scholars have suggested that Hirosada and his contemporary Osaka artist Utagawa Sadahiro (歌川貞廣) (fl.

"[22] In terms of format, the majority of his works from 1847 and later are medium-sized chūban rather than the previously dominant larger ōban size.

[27] Critics have praised the "clarity and self-assurance" of his drawing,[28] and his simple, sophisticated style which avoids "flashy" enhancements.