Li Gun, the Flying Deity (Hitentaisei Rikon)

by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Current Status

Li Gun, the Flying Deity (Hitentaisei Rikon) by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Li Gun, the Flying Deity (Hitentaisei Rikon)

Series; One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden

Li Gun, the Flying Deity (Hitentaisei Rikon) - Fantastic image of Li Gun, the Flying Deity (Hitentaisei Rikon in Japanese) standing atop a rocky outcrop, scanning the ground below for enemies. He wears exotic robes and spotted fur chaps over his armor and a headdress topped with tall slender horns and a red wig. He leans over with a fierce expression, one hand flung open at his side and the other gripping a long-handled axe. A leafy tree frames the blue sky overhead, and the shoreline and mountains can be seen in the distance at lower left. A terrific design with wonderful detail, including embossing on the fur chaps and some of the clothing. This fine reprint was carved and printed by Yuuya Shimoi, an artist creating reprints of classic ukiyo-e subjects using traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques. Includes the artist's stamp on reverse.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 15" x 10 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.

Li Gun, the Flying Deity (Hitentaisei Rikon) by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)
Li Gun, the Flying Deity (Hitentaisei Rikon) by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)