Kawanabe Kyōsai - Monkeys - 14.76.61.9 - Metropolitan Museum of Art

Kyōsai is considered by many to be the greatest successor of Hokusai (of whom, however, he was not a pupil), as well as the first political caricaturist of Japan. His work mirrored his life in its wild and undisciplined nature, and occasionally reflected his love of drink. Although he did not possess Hokusai's dignity, power or reticence, he compensated with a fantastic exuberance, which always lent interest to his technically excellent draughtsmanship. He created what is considered to be the first manga magazine in 1874: Eshinbun Nipponchi, with Kanagaki Robun. The magazine was heavily influenced by Japan Punch, founded in 1862 by Charles Wirgman, a British cartoonist. Eshinbun Nipponchi had a very simple style of drawings and did not become popular with many people, and ended after just three issues.

Kawanabe Kyosai was a prominent Japanese artist known for his work in the ukiyo-e and nihonga styles. He was a versatile artist, skilled in painting, printmaking and caricature. Kyosai's work often featured humorous and satirical themes and he was known for his bold and expressive brushwork. He was also a master of traditional Japanese painting techniques and his work often depicted scenes from Japanese folklore and history. Kyosai's art had a significant influence on the development of modern Japanese art, and he is considered one of the most important artists of the late Edo and Meiji periods.