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.

Yushi Samanosuke Mitsuharu (Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu) - Terrific depiction of Akechi Samanosuke Mitsuharu reading from a scroll. Involved in the treacherous killing of Oda Nobunaga, he was eventually defeated in battle and committed suicide. In this depiction he sits on a cushion, his greedy eyes gleaming as he reads, surrounded by all the treasures he stole from the Nobunaga family after Oda's death. Wonderful detail in the expressive face, the precious objects, and interior furnishings.

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.