Print by Utagawa Yoshitora (-1880), plate no. 5 from the "Sanchū Giden" ("Exemplary Stories of Loyalty and Devotion") series, prints depicting the famous 47 rōnin (wandering samurai).
This plate depicts Yama Jūrōtarō Fujiwara Mitsuoki ready for battle, weapon in hand.
A print from a series that illustrates the Confucian virtues of loyalty(chūgi) and courage, idealizing the spirit of warriors as Meiji Japan began its modernization.
Kunisada II's dynamic compositions and energetic drawing continue the great tradition of Edo musha-e.
The text shown tells the story of Yama Jūrōtarō Fujiwara Mitsuoki:
"Descendant of a lineage descended from the lords Harima-no-kami and Hida-no-kami Ujizato,
Yama Jūrōtarō Mitsuoki, on marrying, took for his wife a virtuous and courageous woman,
who helped him in all things and encouraged his ambition.
Serving in the Takagai household, he then gained reputation and ascended to Edo, where he made a vow at the Fudō temple in Meguro.
That night, he acted with his companions and cut off the head of Moronao (the enemy lord).
His fame spread throughout the world.
He was counted among the loyal men(gishi) and died at the age of twenty-five."
This text is directly inspired by Chūshingura (忠臣蔵), the famous epic of the 47 rōnin, in which the samurai of Asano avenge their lord by executing Kira Yoshinaka (here named in the poetic form of Moronao).
Original oban tate-e print from 1870.
Signed 芳虎 画 (Yoshitora ga).
Very good condition. (stain and yellowing).
Size: 36.7 x 24.9 cm
