Utagawa Kuniyoshi, "Ina-ue Daikuro Masatada"

Ina-ue Daikuro Masatada (Inoue Daikuro Nagayoshi) participated in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's campaign in Korea. Here, Masatada's brute strength is shown (or exaggerated) as he wields a small cannon to fend off his enemies. Behind him is a fence adorned with motifs from China to illustrate his battle with Chinese troops during the campaign. His war flag showing a skull looms above him. One of Kuniyoshi's most spectacular and coveted designs from the Taiheiki series showing the early use of firearms in Japan. 

Kuniyoshi's Taiheiki eiyu den chronicles the period of civil war in 16th century Japan in the years leading up to the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate. Composed of fifty woodblock prints, Kuniyoshi's Taiheiki contains some of the artist's most iconic designs. The historical names (in parentheses) of the figures depicted have been altered to avoid censorship during the Edo-period.

Series: Heroes of the Grand Pacification (Taiheiki)
Date: 1848
Size: Oban
Publisher: Yamamoto-ya Heikichi
Condition: Binding holes, otherwise excellent color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Ebony Walnut

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) is one of Japan's greatest masters of ukiyo-e printmaking from the Edo period. Many of Kuniyoshi's works are regarded today as archetypes of woodblock prints produced during the Edo period and highly prized by collectors.