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.

Amanaka Shikanosuke Yukimori (Yamanaka Shikanosuke Yukimori) - Terrific image of Yamanaka Shikanosuke Yukimori standing with hands clasped together in prayer as he gazes skywards at the three-day crescent moon, which became his symbol for victory and appears on his battle helmet. A pole arm rests against his shoulder, and his two swords are by his side. Shikanosuke served Amako Yoshihisa in Azumo Province. While defending Kozuki Castle against the Kori Clan, his men ran out of supplies, and Yukimori and four other samurai committed suicide. The enemy commander was so moved by his bravery, that he lifted the siege immediately. This beautiful design shows him next to a flowing stream, with the delicate slice of moon just visible in the cloudy gray sky. A fine portrait from the series.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 1/2"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight separation along horizontal centerfold, repaired. Slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good condition overall.