The Loyal Heroes of the Hakkenden - Terrific kabuki portrait of one of the Eight Dog Warriors from the famous story "The Biography of Nanso Satomi and the Eight Dog Warriors" (Nanso Satomi Hakkenden). These great samurai were the mystical offspring of Fusehime, the daughter of Lord Anzai of the Satomi Clan, and a dog, hence the small dogs in the corner of the title cartouche. Featuring dramatic compositions and expressive figures, these bold designs are a great choice for a collector interested in the samurai tradition. A rarely seen Kuniyoshi series.

Sawamura Sojuro V as Inuzuka Shinno - Fantastic portrait of the actor Sawamura Sojuro V in the role of the samurai Inuzaka Shinno, one of the Eight Dog Warriors from the famous story "The Biography of Nanso Satomi and the Eight Dog Warriors" (Nanso Satomi Hakkenden). These great warriors were the mystical offspring of Fusehime, the daughter of Lord Anzai of the Satomi Clan, and a dog, hence the small dogs in the corner of the title cartouche. Here, Shinno grips his sword upright over his shoulder as doves scatter across the evening sky. He frowns unhappily, his wild hair sticking out around his face with a few loose wisps at the side. The sleeves of his outer kimono are pushed down to the waist, revealing a blue gray kimono with a geometric design, lined in red. An expressive figure, with the composition nicely filling the page. Detailed with embossing on the birds' feathers.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 9 1/4" x 13 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some rubbing and soiling at edges. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.