Kunisada II Utagawa, Act 1 from Kanadehon Chushingura, Faithful Samurai
Artist: Kunisada II Utagawa (1823-1880)
Title: Kanadehon Chushingura - Act 1
Publisher: Maruya Tetsujiro
Date: 1863
Size: 25.7 x 37.8 cm
Original Japanese woodblock print.
Kanadehon Chushingura, the story of fourty seven retainers, is one of the greatest tales about loyalty and revenge in Japanese history. It is closely based on a historical event from the eighteenth century.
While preparing for the visit of the Emperor's ambassador in Edo Castle, one of the noblemen, Lord Asano of Ako, provoked by the countless insults, drew his sword on the other lord wounding him considerably. However, as drawing a weapon in the palace was strictly prohibited, Lord Asano was sentenced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide by disembowelment). His property was confiscated and his samurai dismissed, making them rōnin, or masterless warriors. Thereafter, the rōnin avenged their master by killing the enemy and putting his head on the grave of Lord Asano. The story ends with the honourable death by seppuku of the faithful samurai.
Toyokuni IV Utagawa (Kunisada II)
Kunisada II was the pupil of prolific ukiyo-e artist Toyokuni III (Kunisada I) and went on to become head of the Utagawa school. He produced over 40 series, mainly depicting actors. He also published beauty, shunga and literature inspired prints, working in the style of his master but never quite achieving the same level of success. While illustrating over 200 books, his most celebrated actor series was "The Tale of the Eight Dog Heroes". However, his popularity began to wain in the Meiji period and ceased making prints in 1874.| Print Format | Oban (Vertical) |
|---|---|
| Artist | Toyokuni IV Utagawa (Kunisada II) |
| Subject | Samurai & Male, Kabuki Theatre |
| Dimensions | 25.7 x 37.8 cm |
| Condition Report | Horizontal fold. Minor hole on the right-hand side margin. Small tear at the top. Minor smudges. |
