Utagawa Kuniyoshi, "Ryofu Flees Totaku as Lady Chosen Looks On"

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.

Here, the cruel warlord Totaku (Dong Zhou) of the Eastern Han stumbles as Ryofu (Lu Bu) flees his wrath. Totaku is helped by his aid Riju as Lady Chosen (Diao Chan) looks on. Lady Chosen is one of the four great beauties of classical China whose role in the 14th century story is fictionalized. Her affair with Ryofu would drive Totaku into a jealous rage. Ryofu would later assassinate Totaku, an event that would help to herald in the warring period of the Three Kingdoms.

This dramatic composition by Kuniyoshi depicts the cunningness of Ryofu while illustrating the excesses and eventual downfall of Totaku. The beauty of the composition is magnified by the intricately detailed veranda where Lady Chosen sits.

Series: Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Date: 1853
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).