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.

Orio Mosuke Yasuharu (Horio Mosuke Yoshiharu) - Terrific portrait of Horio Mosuke Yoshiharu, a noted warrior and daimyo in the Edo period. After overcoming a giant wild boar in his youth, Toyotomi Hideyoshi appointed him his retainer upon learning of the feat. Here, Yoshiharu straddles the snarling creature, gripping it with his bare hands as it struggles to free itself. His muscles bulge and his hair flies wildly about his head, a look of determination on his face as leaves fall over the scene. A great depiction of this legendary event.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical centerfold. A few small holes, repaired. Toning, soiling, and creasing, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.