Faithful Hearts and True Loyalty - SOLD

Faithful Hearts and True Loyalty  is a wonderful color xylograph on paper realized by the talented Japanese master  Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861).

This original print represents the " Seichugishinden" or " Stories of Faithful Hearts and True Loyalty" . The name of "Amakawaya Gihei" stands out, the name of the character. 

Kuniyoshi painted 47 ronin, or samurai don't follow their head for a total of 51 characters of the theatrical history "Chushingura". the Chushingura theatre is based on the "Kanadehon Chushingura" novel that talks about the 47 ronin samurai who dedicated their soul to avenge the killing of Amatakuminokami Kirakozukenosuke in 1701.

To tell this story clearly against the central government of the samurai, the real names could not be used but very similar names. The character Amakawa Gihei represented in this print is actually Amariya Rihee, an Osaka trader who lived from 1661 to 1733, who helped the Ako ronin to find weapons for their revenge

In very good conditions, except for a usual yellowing of the paper and minor defects, including a red wooden frame, this modern artwork, realized with an incredible full mastery of the ancient technique of xylography and with vivid colors and excellent inking, could give to your furniture a sophisticated touch!

Utagawa Kuniyoshi  (1798-1861)

Burn Igusa Magosaburo, when he was 15 began to attend Toyokuni's studio. Here he experimented a new way of drawing, more realistic and innovative as disegner of manga. 

The Japanese painter is considered one of the last great masters of Japanese ukiyo-e style painting and xylography. He transmitted all his knowledge: he was a teacher in one of the most important Japanese printing schools, the Utagawa School. He had numerous students who gave continuity to the school, among them Yoshitoshi, Yoshitora, Yoshiiku, Yoshikazu, Yoshitsuya, and Yoshifuji. Usually Kuniyoshi's students began their apprenticeships working mainly on the figure of the samurai, in a style similar to that of the master and having become independent artists, many went on to develop their own creative styles.

The repertoire of subjects that Kuniyoshi has portrayed throughout his life is very wide and includes landscapes, female figures, Kabuki theater actors, cats, fantastic animals, and episodes from Japanese mythology. He is also known for the lively representation of battles of legendary heroes, samurai deeds , and episodes of Japanese history.