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.

Saito Toshimoto Nyudo Ryuhon - Fantastic depiction of the warrior Saito Toshimoto Nyudo Ryuhon battling an enemy underwater. The pair plunges downward into the sea as a pair of fish swims by, Saito choking his enemy by the throat as he struggles to free himself. Terrific detail in the armor and weapons. A dynamic and striking design and a great subject for a samurai enthusiast.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. A couple small holes, thinning at corners, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.