Comments - Fantastic scene of the famous 47 Ronin returning victorious from the night attack on Moronao's castle. As the sun begins to rise, they make their way across the snow-covered Ryogoku Bridge back into town, dressed in the ronin's traditional black and white dogtooth bordered robes and carrying their weapons. They are stopped by a hatamoto, a samurai in the direct service of the Tokugawa Shogunate, mounted on horseback and carrying a spear, who forbids them from passing into his master's province. Instead, the warriors were forced to cross the river by the Eitai Bridge instead. In the center, Oboshi Yuranosuke, the leader of the ronin, holds his hand out in a stopping gesture, an angry expression on his face, his helmet in hand. A few steps behind him, a young samurai carried a cylindrical box containing the severed head of Moronao, which they will lay on the tomb of Lord Hangan. Each warrior is identified by a yellow name cartouche. A dramatic image with the arched structure of the bridge stretching across the three panels, set against the rosy glow on the horizon. A terrific choice for a collector interested in the "Kanadehon Chushingura."

Artist - Hiroshige II (1826 - 1869)

Image Size - 14 1/2" x 29 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Vertical fold. Small loss at edge, repaired. Slight creasing and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.