Print by Utagawa Yoshitora (-1880) from the "Seichū gishi den" ("Sincere Biographies of Loyal Warriors") series, prints depicting the famous 47 rōnin (wandering samurai).
Plate depicting Ushioda Masamune, one of the loyal samurai of the Akō domain.
The written text is about this key figure in Japanese history:
"Ushioda Masamune, also known as Ushioda Gensuke, was a vassal of Lord Asano Naganori of Akō.
He received an income of 300 koku.
After his lord's death and the confiscation of the estate, he followed Ōishi Kuranosuke (the leader of the rōnin) and remained in poverty,
awaiting the moment of vengeance.
Masamune, versed in letters, drafted several correspondences for comrades-in-arms, and took part in preparations for the assault on Kira Yoshinaka.
After the success of his revenge, he surrendered to the authorities and was condemned to seppuku along with his companions.
Aged 35, he fulfilled his duty to the end, leaving an imperishable name of loyalty (chūgi)."
(n.b. Ushioda Masamune is a secondary (or symbolic) character added in some late Edo series, sometimes representing a scribe or scholar)
Original oban tate-e format print from 1847-1848.
Signed 芳虎 画 (Yoshitora ga).
Very good condition. (stain and yellowing).
Size: 36.7 x 24.9 cm
