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.

Matsunaga Daizen Hisahide (Matsunaga Danjo Hisahide) - Fantastic scene of the 16th century daimyo Matsunaga Hisahide preparing to commit suicide. After a lifetime of betrayal and murder in the pursuit of power, the rebellious Matsunaga was cornered by Oda Nobunaga at Shiga Castle. Nobunaga demanded both his head and a precious teakettle. Ever defiant, the elderly warrior smashed the kettle before committing suicide, ordering that his head be destroyed so that it could not become a war trophy. Kuniyoshi captures the angry insolence of the wizened Matsunaga as he smashes the teapot against the floor, his last act of rebellion. He sits on a fur rug, a short sword wrapped in white silk on the floor before him, his suit of armor resting nearby. A powerful image with wonderful detail.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 9 7/8" x 14 1/8"

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