A Parody of the Hakkenden - Kunichika's series "A Parody of the Hakkenden" presents kabuki actors as the Eight Dog Heroes from the epic novel "The Biography of Nanso Satomi and the Eight Dog Heroes" (Nanso Satomi Hakkenden). These great samurai were the mystical offspring of Fusehime, the daughter of Lord Anzai of the Satomi Clan, and a dog. The brothers were raised by different families and did not meet until later during their many adventures. These bold images feature warriors in dramatic action scenes with striking compositions, each with a scalloped-shaped inset at the top depicting a location for the scene. They are beautifully detailed with fine line work in the hair and bokashi shading in the background, and many include deluxe treatments such as burnishing, embossing, metallic pigments, or a dusting of mica. These dynamic designs are a great choice for a collector interested in the samurai tradition, and are rarely seen on the market.

Special detail - Embossing on the white obi and the narrow white sash tying the sleeves back, metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the sickle and kimono.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few creases at edges. Please see photos for details.