The 47 Ronin - The fantastic true story of the forty-seven ronin, who avenged the death of their master in the early 18th century, has captured the imagination of the public ever since the event took place. The most famous account was the "Kandehon Chushingura," originally written for the bunraku puppet theater in 1748 and later adapted for kabuki. To satisfy the censors, the actual names and locations were changed. The setting moved from the 18th century to the 14th, Lord Asano became Lord En'ya Hangan, and Kira became Lord Moronao. Oishi Kuranosuke, the leader of the plot, was called Oboshi Yuranosuke. These heroic warriors have come to exemplify the samurai code of honor, and are emblematic of loyalty, sacrifice, and determination.
Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai - Published between 1847 and 1848, Kuniyoshi's woodblock print series "Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai" (Seichu gishi den) is one of the most popular and widely recognized tributes to these selfless men. His beautifully detailed and expressive portraits capture the spirit and bravery of each figure. This iconic Kuniyoshi series is filled with memorable images, from dramatic scenes in the midst of battle to more quiet, contemplative portraits. Kuniyoshi's series "The Faithful Samurai" is an absolute masterwork and considered the ultimate 47 Ronin series among collectors and scholars alike. Few other printmakers ever matched Kuniyoshi's detail and artistry.
This Series - This fantastic complete series comprises all 50 woodblock prints from Kuniyoshi's "Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai." This includes individual portraits of the 47 ronin, the ronin Hayano Kampei as a ghost, who committed suicide prior to the attack on Moronao's palace but signed the vendetta with his dying breath, Lord Hangan, and Lord Moronao. The fifty-first print of a servant is missing. The images are not backed, and are bound into an album with a paper cover and a traditional string binding. The outer side of each print is attached to the preceding print along the edge only. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a set of Kuniyoshi's most famous 47 ronin series.
Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Size - Page size 14 5/8" x 9 3/8"; overall size 14 5/8" x 10" x 1/2"
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Most prints have a few tiny wormholes at edges. Slight toning, soiling, and rubbing at edges; slight creasing. Prints in good condition overall. Cover binding intact, writing on back cover, losses at corners of covers and endpapers. Please see photos for details.
The Complete Series
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