Utagawa Kuniyoshi, "Returning Boats at Ryukyu Islands"

Framed with the sail of a boat, this woodblock print by Kuniyoshi shows the 12th century warrior Minamoto no Tametomo making his way by boat to the Ryukyu Islands. The story is often seized upon by residents of the island as a confirmation of the island's importance in Japanese history. Legend says that Tametomo was a skilled archer who once sunk a ship with a single arrow.

Series: Military Brilliance for the Eight Views
Date: 1852
Size: Oban
Publisher: Enshuya Hikobei
Condition: Light wear edges, otherwise fine color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24", Classic Wood, Clear 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.