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.

Isono Tanba-no kami Sadamasa (Isono Tanba-no kami Kazumasa) - Handsome portrait of Isono Tamba-no-kami Sadamitsu, Lord of Sawayama Castle in Omi Province. He served the Azai family, fighting with them against Oda Nobunaga at the Battle of Anegawa in 1570. Here he sits on a folding stool, leaning forward aggressively, gripping a spear in one hand. His battle fan is tied to the scabbard of his long sword. He wears a fine suit of armor over patterned shirt and pants, and a tall black court cap. His personal standard rises at his back, an impressive demon mask surrounded by fluttering strips of cloth. A great image with a handsome composition and wonderful detail in the armor.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with somewhat stiff paper. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and small marks. Please see photos for details. Good overall.