Utagawa Yoshifusa, "Kato Kiyomasa and the Tigers of Korea"

In this woodblock print by Yoshifusa, we see Kato Kiyomasa and his troops confronting an ambush of tigers Japan's failed invasion of Korea in the late 16th century. The Korea campaign and Kiyomasa's encounter with tigers in Korea is a common subject of woodblock prints during the Edo Period, and here Kiyomasa's strength and command is front and center.

Date: ca. 1855
Size: Oban Triptych
Condition: Excellent color and condition

Utagawa Yoshifusa (1837-1860) was a pupil of Utagawa Kuniyoshi whose woodblock prints are scarce given his short life. Many of his works are highly reminiscent of his master Kuniyoshi's style.