Musashi Province: Banzui Chobei

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Musashi Province: Banzui Chobei by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Musashi Province: Banzui Chobei

Series; The Sixty-odd Provinces of Great Japan

The Sixty-odd Provinces of Great Japan - Around 1845, Kuniyoshi and Toyokuni III collaborated on a series depicting historic men and women or popular kabuki characters for each of the sixty-odd provinces of Japan. These great designs feature large, expressive figures by Kuniyoshi and Toyokuni III, with an inset of a related scene done by various students. Beautifully printed with attractive color and fine bokashi shading, these bold, dramatic images are a terrific choice for a collector interested in the history and legends of Japan.

Musashi Province: Banzui Chobei - Fantastic scene of the legendary otokodate or street knight Banzui Chobei, who became the subject of many kabuki plays. He is shown here gripping a large knife in one hand as he holds a hapless man down on the bench beside him. The poor victim is trussed with rope, a sack wrapped about his feet, pleading for mercy with his hands clasped before him. Chobei scowls, ready to attack, one sleeve of his blue floral kimono pushed down to the waist, revealing a red tied-dyed robe. A broken offering tray lies on the floor in front of him. The inset above, by Yoshitsuna, shows a samurai in sake shop, extending his sword with one hand. A dramatic subject, beautifully detailed, from this interesting series featuring historic figures designed by Kuniyoshi and Kunisada with insets by their students. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in their collection.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14" x 9 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. Stitching holes at right edge, a couple small holes, tiny loss at corner, repaired. Soiling, slight toning, a few creases, stain at edge. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Musashi Province: Banzui Chobei by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Musashi Province: Banzui Chobei by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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