Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki - Few other Japanese woodblock printmakers ever matched Kuniyoshi's detail and artistry in the genre of warrior prints. Published between 1847 - 1850, Kuniyoshi's fantastic series, "Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki (Grand Pacification)," presents fifty full-length portraits of famous warriors involved in the closing period of the civil wars in 16th century Japan, just before unification of the country. These dramatic images show these leaders engaged in battle or posing heroically in all their military glory. Kuniyoshi captures the unique aspects of each warrior, with texts above detailing their heroic careers. To evade the prohibitions enacted in 1804 against depicting historic figures who lived after 1573, each warrior has a pseudonym that would have been easily recognized by the viewers of the time. The actual name of the individual is provided in parentheses. These prints are a great opportunity to collect a part of Japanese history, dynamically documented by the leading master of warrior prints.

Chibata Shuri-no-shin Tatsuiye (Shibata Katsuiye) - Fantastic Kuniyoshi portrait of Shibata Katsuiye, a powerful 16th century warlord in Owari Province. Married to a sister of Nobunaga, he was defeated by Hideyoshi during the 1583 Battle of Shizugamine. The warrior strikes a dramatic pose, leaning on his spear and standing with one foot on a large broken clay jar, the shards scattered on the ground around him. He wears beautifully detailed armor and his personal standard waves above his back. A terrific samurai image that would make an outstanding framed presentation.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical fold near left edge. Slight separation at ends of fold line, slight thinning along fold line, repaired, blends well. Soiling, slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.