Samurai hunt, tiger hunt

I own the far left panel of this triptych by Kuniyoshi. Today I was very interested to see the entire image. From knowledge of the left panel only, the subject was samurai being ripped apart by tigers and a leopard. Kuniyoshi has shown both sides of the savagery in his art.

Information from the Fujiarts.com online gallery:

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 – 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Watonai Chasing Tigers, 1855

Comments – Incredible triptych of the renowned samurai Kato Kiyomasa (here called Watonai) and his men chasing tigers in Taiwan which have carried off some of his men. Kiyomasa was a leader during Japan’s Seven Year War with Korea in the 16th century. Fully armed and clutching a spear, the warrior watches from a cliff overhanging a river as two tigers swim away with soldiers in their mouths, a young cub perched on the back of one animal. On the opposite shore, another tiger mauls its victim. The dark night sky and craggy rocks heighten the tension of the scene. An amazing woodblock with a great dramatic subject, beautifully detailed and shaded. A wonderful choice for collectors interested in the samurai tradition.

Artist – Kuniyoshi (1797 – 1861)

Image Size – 14 1/4″ x 29 3/4″

Condition – This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small wormholes, repaired. A few creases. Please see photos for details.

Advertisement

Samurai Bunny Rabbit scream

Master of the incongruous, artist Kuniyoshi (1797-1861), must have laughed at his own creation. The threatening, screaming samurai with a cute bunny rabbit helmet. The first time I saw this print as a small black and white illustration in B.W. Robinson’s excellent book, Kuniyoshi: The Warrior Prints (1982 Cornell University Press), I laughed out loud. It makes me wish I lived 200 years ago so that I could have known such a hilarious person.

Information follows from Fujiarts.com website:

Original Kuniyoshi (1797 – 1861) Japanese Woodblock Print
Hare: Shinozuka Iga no Kami

Series; Japanese Heroes for the Twelve Signs, 1854

Hare: Shinozuka Iga no Kami – Terrific portrait of the legendary samurai Shinozuka Iga no Kami, a retainer of the Nitta Clan renowned for his great strength. He is shown standing on the shore during a battle, the sea raging behind him as he grips a spear with both hands. His mouth is open in a ferocious yell, the flowing white mane of his battle helmet adding to his fierce appearance. The rocky ground below is littered with broken arrows and a fallen standard. Beautifully detailed with subtle burnishing on the black armor and delicate embossing on the flowing white wig of the helmet which is topped with Shinozuka’s emblem of a golden hare. A bold Kuniyoshi warrior design.

Artist – Kuniyoshi (1797 – 1861)

Image Size – 14 1/8″ x 9 5/8″