The 108 Heroes of the Popular Suikoden - Kuniyoshi's fantastic series, "The 108 Heroes of the Popular Suikoden," is taken from on the classic Chinese novel, "The Water Margin" (Suikoden in Japanese). Loosely based on historical events, it tells the story of a group of 108 rebels living at the edge of Liangshan Marsh who helped to protect the poor and oppressed. Designed primarily between 1827 - 1830, this is Kuniyoshi's incredible first Suikoden series, which earned him great fame. These bold and lively images feature large, beautifully colored and detailed figures in exciting action poses.  A terrific choice for a Kuniyoshi collector or anyone interested this legendary tale.

Provenance - This reprint is the work of the Japanese woodblock print artist Tachihara Kurainuki, who dedicated himself to carrying on the traditional methods and materials of ukiyo-e. Self-taught, he studied the original paper, pigments, and printing methods used by Edo era masters, using them to produce his own original works as well as a limited number of reprints of famous ukiyo-e designs, including a small number of Kuniyoshi masterwork designs. These designs include the "Skeleton Specter" and "Oniwakamaru and the Giant Carp." As a single artist with a small studio, his production of these prints was very limited. Neither of these designs is seen in the market anymore. Born in 1951, Tachihara died of a sudden illness on July 31, 2015, at the age of 64. We acquired these extremely rare images directly from the estate of the printer. Tachihara is currently the subject of a retrospective exhibition at the Hagi Uragami Museum in Yamaguchi Prefecture (see example of the exhibition poster below), recognizing his incredible skill and artistry, and honoring his commitment to carrying on this classic Japanese art form

Terrific portrait of Tammeijiro Genshogo (Du Qian in Chinese) forcing his enemy backwards to the ground as he grips him by the throat, one knee sprawled across his chest. The warrior scowls angrily as he draws back his sword, his bare back tattooed with a snarling cat above crashing waves, with red flames trailing over his upper arms. His red-faced opponent glares at him with bulging eyes, futilely taking hold of Genshogo's arm. A blue curtain patterned with swirling vines, leaves, and blossom fills the background at right. A bold image, wonderfully detailed, and a great tattoo print.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 7/8" x 10" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Ink notation on reverse. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.