Title: Utagawa Kuniyoshi Woodblock Print Battle 1851
Description: This is a very cool woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, one of the most prolific and well-known print artists of the golden age of ukiyo-e! Published by Fujiokaya Keijiro. This is on page of a triptych called The Last Stand of the Kusunoki Heroes at Shijo-Nawate, printed between 1851 and 1852 and depicting the historic battle between the Northern and Southern courts in 1348. This is the left page of the triptych, showing Kusunoki Masatsura, son of Kusunoki Masashige, a famous samurai of the Kamakura period known for his loyalty. The other two pages of the triptych show Masatomo and Genshu. Masatsura is shown here with the corpse of a fallen soldier over his back to shield him from oncoming arrows. More corpses lie in the background.
Signed: Signed Utagawa Kuniyoshi, lower left side of print. Publisher Fujiokaya Keijiro seal on right side of bottom edge of print. Two round censor seals indicating date of printing.
Circa: 1851-1852
Dimensions: Frame 19x14.5 inches. Sight 13.5x9.75 inches.
Weight: 2.75 lbs.
Condition: Light surface wear on frame. One heavy crease horizontal through center of print, no visible tearing, rips, insect damage, foxing, etc. Light discoloration of paper. Not examined out of frame.
Provenance: From a Florida waterfront estate of a Belgian business man retiring to the south of France.
Shipping: 24x18x6, 13 lbs.
Listed by: Amanda CNX 1168 4632