The Loyal Heroes of the Hakkenden - Terrific kabuki portrait of one of the Eight Dog Warriors from the famous story "The Biography of Nanso Satomi and the Eight Dog Warriors" (Nanso Satomi Hakkenden). These great samurai were the mystical offspring of Fusehime, the daughter of Lord Anzai of the Satomi Clan, and a dog, hence the small dogs in the corner of the title cartouche. Featuring dramatic compositions and expressive figures, these bold designs are a great choice for a collector interested in the samurai tradition. A rarely seen Kuniyoshi series.

Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Inumura Daikaku-tarou - Handsome portrait of Ichimura Uzaemon XII as the young Inumura Daikaku-tarou, one of the famous Eight Dog Warriors. He looks over his shoulder with a slight smile, his brows raised and his eyes crossed to show strong emotion. He clutches a scroll in one hand as he pushes up the sleeve of the blue and gray outer kimono. His under robe features an intricate pattern, and his hair is pulled into a thick ponytail tied with yellow cord. Beautiful fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the night sky. The title cartouche at upper right includes a pair of small dogs, a reference to the story.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. A small holes repaired. Some rubbing and soiling at edges. A few minor stains. Please see photos for detail. Good overall.