Onodera Junai Hidetomo

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Onodera Junai Hidetomo by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Onodera Junai Hidetomo

Series; Stories of True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai (Seichu gishi den)

The Tale of the 47 Ronin - The drama "Chushingura," which tells the famous story of the 47 ronin, is one of the most popular and well-known stories of samurai loyalty. In the tale, Lord Enya Hangan is goaded into drawing his dirk during an argument with Ko no Moronao, accidentally wounding him on the forehead. For this act, Hangan was forced to commit seppuku or ritual suicide, and his retainers immediately became ronin, samurai who had no master. Vowing revenge, Yuranosuke led the warriors in their vendetta, patiently biding their time to allay any suspicions and throw the enemy off guard. On a snowy winter night, the ronin attacked Moronao's palace and dragged him from his hiding place in a shed. Refusing to commit honorable suicide, they ronin severed his head, returned to Edo, and placed the head as an offering at Hangan's tomb at Sengakuji temple. They gave themselves up, committed seppuku, and all were buried together near their lord. Based on a true story, the 47 ronin exemplified the highest form of bushido, following the warrior's code of honor, duty, and self-sacrifice. The graves of the real-life ronin may still be visited today.

Stories of True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai - Between 1847 - 1848, Kuniyoshi produced his most famous series about the 47 ronin, "Stories of True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai." The series comprises 50 prints, with portraits of each of the 47 ronin along with images of Hangan, Moronao, and a loyal servant. Expressive figures are shown during the night attack, fighting bravely or taking a brief moment to recover, in action-filled poses and quieter moments Few other print makers ever matched Kuniyoshi's detail and artistry in the genre of warrior prints, and his iconic designs from this series remain some of the best images of the famous 47 ronin.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 14 5/8" x 9 7/8"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Stitching holes at one side, wormholes, repaired. Slight toning at edges, slight soiling. Some prints have a few creases or marks. Please see photos for details.

Onodera Junai Hidetomo by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Onodera Junai Hidetomo by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)