Set of 2 Edo Era (1840) Japanese Woodblock Prints of Samurai by Kuniyoshi – Newly Framed

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Set of 2 Edo Era (1840) Japanese woodblock prints of Samurai by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861). The prints show a scene … Read more Set of 2 Edo Era (1840) Japanese woodblock prints of Samurai by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861). The prints show a scene from a Japanese legend (the “Subscription List”) about the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. In this tale, Yoshitsune is trying to escape the shogun Yoritomo disguised as a mountain priest (left panel man with hat sitting on the floor). He and his loyal companion Benkei are, however, stopped by the lord Togashi (right panel man with blue robe patterned with cranes) and interrogated. In response, Yoshitsune and Benkei claim they are collecting donations to rebuild a burnt temple. These are two original antique prints that have been newly framed.

ARTISTS:
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) is considered one of the last great masters of Japanese woodblock prints. He was born in 1798 and became a pupil of the Utagawa Toyokuni (1769-1824), the head of the Utagawa school, in 1811. Kuniyoshi enjoyed considerable fame and is known for a wide variety of subjects in his prints, including warriors, battles, landscapes, women, Kabuki actors, cats, and mythical animals. During his lifetime, the public taste saw a rise in demand for fierce and fantastical woodblock prints, as opposed to scenic landscapes. Kuniyoshi embraced this change and today he is most known for his depiction of samurai warriors and battles.

Condition: Good condition for age – some imperfections. Please note that antique and vintage artworks may have traces of time, stains, creases and fading due to age, so please review all photos.

Period: Edo – printed in 1840

Size: Each frame is 13” x 17”. See less