Comments - Terrific scene of the 47 ronin gathering at the tomb of Lord Hangan following their night attack on Moronao at his palace. Having killed Moronao and avenged their master's death, the samurai returned to Sengakuji Temple at dawn to burn incense and lay Moronao's head on Lord Hangan's grave. The leader of the ronin, Oboshi Yuranosuke, sits on a folding stool in the center, gesturing with his fan as one of the retainers presents a cylindrical container wrapped in cloth contained the head of their enemy. Yuranosuke's young son, Rikiya, kneels at right holding an offering tray with Lord Hangan's dirk upon it. Small cloth-covered altars are set with offerings and incense, and behind them, a monk offers prayers in the stone enclosure surrounding the grave. Wonderful detail in the expressive figures and setting. A fantastic image from this timeless tale of honor and revenge.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 28 3/4" x 14 3/8"

Condition - This triptych with excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. A few small holes repaired from reverse. A couple minor stains and some light soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

A Country Estate - Over three days we’ll be offering the collection of a Japanese gentleman who collected primarily Yoshitoshi and Kuniyoshi prints of tales, warriors, and ghosts. We love those themes at Fuji Arts and Yoshitoshi and Kuniyoshi are two of our favorite artists. The prints are all fine early impressions with beautiful color. They’ve been stored only, never displayed.

The collection was brokered this fall by a contact of ours and came from the Japanese countryside where the collector lived. These prints have not been in the market in decades and are being offered at Fuji Arts for the first time outside Japan. Watch for the collection to post over three days. The collection will post in its entirety, about 60 designs, in three days.