Samurai Warriors in Battle, 1800s, Paper

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Title: Samurai Battle Scene – School of Katsukawa, Precursor to Kuniyoshi’s Warrior Prints, c.1780 : This dramatic Japanese woodblock print … Read more Title: Samurai Battle Scene – School of Katsukawa, Precursor to Kuniyoshi’s Warrior Prints, c.1780 : This dramatic Japanese woodblock print from the late Edo period (circa 1780) depicts a fierce duel between two armored samurai on horseback, captured mid-battle with weapons raised in combat. Each warrior, rendered in full armor and expressive detail, represents the valor and martial spirit celebrated in Japan’s warrior legends. The sheet belongs to the musha-e (warrior print) tradition, which flourished in the late 18th century and laid the foundation for the heroic style later perfected by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Executed in the School of Katsukawa, this work shows the influence of masters such as Katsukawa Shunshō and Katsukawa Shun’ei, who were pioneers in portraying samurai with dynamic realism and human intensity. The bold linework, limited yet effective color palette, and careful attention to armor detail all point to this transitional period in ukiyo-e history—when Japanese printmakers moved away from the stylized elegance of earlier prints toward the more muscular and action-filled scenes that Kuniyoshi would make famous decades later. The composition is filled with tension and symmetry: two mounted warriors, poised at the moment of decisive strike, framed by calligraphic text identifying their names and deeds. The strength of line and sense of movement evoke the pulse of the battlefield while maintaining a disciplined elegance of design. The restrained palette of earthy tones and indigo blues reflects early Edo printing techniques, before the advent of complex color layering used in later nishiki-e prints. This piece stands as a compelling precursor to the Kuniyoshi school of heroic warrior prints, representing the evolution of samurai imagery from formalized iconography to expressive storytelling. It captures the essence of Japan’s martial heritage at the dawn of its popular visual expression. Condition report: Good condition for its age, with light overall toning and minor foxing typical of 18th-century paper. Slight edge wear and a few small repairs at the margins. The impression remains strong with well-preserved linework and readable inscriptions. Framing tips: This print presents best in a black or dark brown wooden frame with a warm cream or ivory mat. The contrast highlights the fine linear detail and gives the historic paper a timeless presence. UV-protective glazing is recommended to safeguard the delicate pigments. Technique: Woodblock print (ukiyo-e, hand-colored) Maker: School of Katsukawa, Japan, circa 1780 – precursor to Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s musha-e tradition See less