Rorihakucho Chojun Breaking through a Water Gate - Fantastic design of the warrior Rorihakucho Chojun (Zhang Shun in Chinese) breaking through the bars of a water gate under a hail of arrows. Gripping his sword between his teeth, he uses his arms and legs to force the bars apart, his muscles bulging. He wears only a red loin cloth, his body covered with an incredible tattoo featuring a serpent breathing flames, vines, flowers, pine sprigs and white waves. The top of the water gate features a leering demon's head with glowing yellow eyes and wide open mouth, as if attempting to swallow Chojun. The twisted metal bars of the gate are tangled with ropes with small bells attached, an alarm system. A terrific design of this great hero, who was known for his swimming prowess. A great tattoo subject, beautifully colored and detailed.

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 was the subject of a recent 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.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 15 1/8" x 10 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.