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.

Asakura Sayemon-no-tayu Yoshikane (Asakura Yoshikage) - Terrific portrait of Asakura Yoshikage, a powerful 16th century daimyo from Echizen Province. Along with Azai Nagamasa, he fought against Oda Nobunaga, but was eventually defeated by Nobunaga at the Battle of Anegawa in 1570. He is shown here wiping the blade of his sword along his white sash, frowning as he concentrates on his task. He wears a patterned robe and hakama pants under a fine suit of armor, his hair tied back with a sash. His horned battle helmet, shoulder plates, and long sword rest on the floor behind him. At lower left, an offering tray holds five shallow blue cups. Wonderful detail in the armor and weapons, with soft shading in the background. A handsome design.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Stitching holes along one side from previous folio binding, a few wormholes or holes, most prints have losses at corners, repaired, blends well. Soiling, creasing, and rubbing. Please see photos for details.