Kokaku - Terrific design from a series based on the book "The Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Devotion," written by the Chinese scholar Guo Jujing during the Yuan Dynasty. Inspired by the loss of his own parents, he scoured history for examples of the most respectful and devoted children. Here, Kokaku (Jiang Ge in Chinese) is shown pleading with robbers to spare his and his mother's lives. Kokaku had been carrying his mother on his back as they traveled from Linzi to Xiapi. On the road, they encountered a gang intent on robbing them. Kokaku has fallen to his knees with his hands clasped in the air before him as he begs for mercy. The robbers point their swords at him, but they stop to listen to his story. The devoted Kokaku showed such filial piety for his aged mother that the men let the pair go, and even showed them a safe route to take. Two of the rogues wear beautiful robes over armor, while the third clutches a blue cloth wrapped around his shoulder and carries a heavy mallet or club. A large tree fames a view of the mountains beyond, with clouds drifting across the bright blue sky. A handsome composition and a wonderful image from this extremely rare Kuniyoshi series.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 13 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Nice full margins, not backed. A light crease near center, now flattened. Please see photos for details. Good overall.