Guardian with Halberd, 1850, Print

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Title: Japanese Edo Warrior Print – Temple Guardian with Halberd, c.1850 : This striking Japanese woodblock print from the late … Read more Title: Japanese Edo Warrior Print – Temple Guardian with Halberd, c.1850 : This striking Japanese woodblock print from the late Edo period, circa 1850, depicts a fierce temple guardian or warrior figure (Niō), rendered in powerful form and vivid color. The muscular protector is shown leaning against a tall temple pillar, grasping a halberd-like weapon, his expression filled with intensity and resolve. The pillar behind him bears bold red inscriptions, likely marking the sacred temple gate he defends. The artist’s signature, inscribed vertically at left, reads Hanawa Mansōchishin, a lesser-known 19th-century woodblock print artist whose work reflects the dynamic style of the Utagawa school. This composition demonstrates clear influence from masters such as Utagawa Kuniyoshi, whose heroic musha-e (warrior prints) celebrated Japan’s legendary fighters and mythological guardians through exaggerated anatomy and dramatic tension. The print’s visual strength lies in its expressive detail: the sinewy rendering of the guardian’s body, the angular armor plates, and the subtle gradations of blue and green in the background. The faint traces of blood, combined with the deity’s grim determination, evoke the enduring spirit of devotion and protection central to Buddhist temple imagery. The rectangular frame line and bold cropping are typical of mid-19th-century designs, emphasizing immediacy and movement. This work is an impressive example of Edo-period narrative woodblock printing, uniting religious symbolism and artistic vigor. It would appeal strongly to collectors of musha-e, Buddhist iconography, or mid-19th-century Japanese printmaking. Condition report: Good condition overall, with some light age toning and minor surface soiling. Colors remain strong with excellent registration. Very small paper thinning at upper margin and a light foxing mark near the top center. Overall, a clean and well-preserved impression. Framing tips: This print presents beautifully with a black or dark mahogany frame and a soft off-white or pale gray mat. The use of UV-protective glass is advised to preserve the vibrant pigments. When displayed with subtle lighting, the dramatic contrast of armor and background tones creates a compelling visual focus. Technique: Woodblock print (ukiyo-e, polychrome ink on paper) Maker: Hanawa Mansōchishin, Japan, circa 1850 See less