Utagawa Kuniyoshi, "Kochu Overthrown by Kwanu"

The 14th century Chinese classic "The Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms" documented the period of intense turmoil during and after the fall of the Han Dynasty in the 3rd century and the emergence of three warring state: Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu.

In this design, the general Kochu (Huang Zhong) is shown falling in the face of one of China's greatest military heroes in classical Chinese history, Kwanu (Guan Yu). Both loyal to Gentoku's (Liu Bei) forces of the Eastern Han, it is said that Gentoku elevated both generals to equal status in his army. The encounter is likely fictionalized to elevate Kwanu's historical legacy as being greater than Kochu's. An exceptional design featuring both generals battling on horseback. 

Series: Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Date: 1854
Size: Oban Triptych
Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizo
Condition: Light trimming, otherwise excellent color and condition

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.

Custom matting available for triptych prints. Sizes will be determined for best presentation in consultation with customer - overall size range will be 20" - 22" (height) X 38" - 40" (width). Note that additional shipping charges apply (sorry, no international shipping available for matted triptychs).