Utagawa Kuniyoshi, "Kiura Okaemon Sadayuki," 47 Ronin

Sadayuki is shown in battle stance, striking at his opponent with his katana. Note the highly intricate detailing printed in his armor.

Series: Stories of the Faithful Samurai (The 47 Ronin)
Date: 1848
Size: Oban
Publisher: Ebiya Rinnosuke
Condition: Some soiling, light trimming, otherwise excellent
Frame Shown: 16" x 24", Classic Wood, Ebony

Utagawa Kuniyoshi's (1798-1861) famous “Stories of the Faithful Samurai," is popularly known as the story of the Forty-Seven Ronin. The legendary Japanese tale of loyalty, revenge, and honor has been part of Japanese culture for more than two centuries, and the subject of numerous noh and kabuki plays in Japan, as well as books and films in the West. Published in 1848, the series contains a total of fifty-one designs, each of which incorporates a biographical inscription of each character and their role in the famous story.