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.

Nagamura Bunkasai Michiie (Nakamura Bunkasai) - Terrific portrait of Nakamura Bunkasai smashing a vase against a wall. A trusted advisor to Shibata Katsuie, Nakurmura smashed the precious porcelain vase, which was a gift to him from Shibata, to show his intention to die with his master in the face of defeat by Hideyoshi's forces. They spent their final hours together at Kitanosho Castle, composing their death poems. He scowls as he tosses away the gift, which smashes into pieces above a coral branch in a ceramic vase. His sword and battle helmet rest on the floor nearby, along with a traveling writing set and paper for his last words. A fantastic composition with wonderful detail and fine color. A great subject from this classic Kuniyoshi series.

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.