Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai (Seichu gishi den) by Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai - Between 1847 - 1848, Kuniyoshi produced his most famous series about the 47 ronin, "Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai." The series comprises 51 prints, with portraits of each of the 47 ronin along with images of the ronin Hayano Kampei, who committed suicide before the night attack and appears as a ghost, Lord Hangan, Lord 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 printmakers 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.