Zhang Heng, the Boatman, 1856 - Fantastic portrait of the tattooed boatman Zhang Heng (Senkaji Choo in Japanese), one of the heroes from 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. Here, the tattooed boatman calmly wipes the blade of his sword with the edge of his robe as a fantastic blue-faced demon emerges from the foliage behind him. The supernatural creature has flowing hair and bloodshot red eyes, snarling and showing its fangs. Zhang Hang stares back unfazed, his robes pushed down to the waist to reveal an extensive upper body tattoo of an eagle, trees, and vines. A dramatic image, beautifully detailed and colored, set off by a background of green leaves against a black sky. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Yoshiharu (1828 - 1888)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. A couple small wormholes and small losses at edges, repaired. Very slight soiling, slightly curled. Please see photos for details. Good overall.