Shun’ei was student of Katsukawa Shunsho and inherited the direction of the Katsukawa school from his master around 1800. He specialized in actor prints. His individual subjects may have had some influence on Sharaku and Toyokuni. A number of actor prints of Shun’ei are okubi-e that he created in early 1781. He is also  known  for his Sumo -Wrestlers and Warrior prints. From 1800 he became one of the most important figures of Ukiyo-e and led the Katsukawa school.