The Forty-seven Rnin

Prints by Kuniyoshi and Yoshitoshi

LeLLa & Gianni Morra

Catalogue 13
Lella & Gianni Morra Giudecca 699 30133 Venezia italy ( by appointment only)

Tel. & Fax: +39 041 528 8006 Mobile: +39 333 471 9907 [email protected]

www.morra-japaneseart.com

T he For t y-se ven Rn i n

Pr i nt s by Ku n iyosh i a nd Yosh itosh i

LeLLa & Gianni Morra Fine Japanese Prints and illustrated Books

The Chshingura The Treasury of Loyal Retainers

The story of the forty-seven rnin and their vendetta is the most popular of all Japanese stories of fidelity and revenge. The incidents on which it is based started on the fourteenth day of the third month 1701 when Asano Naganori lord of Ak attempted to kill the vile Kira Yoshinaka, an official from the Shogun entourage. Kira was only wounded but since the offence took place inside Edo castle, the authority ordered Asano to commit ritual suicide, his properties were confiscated and his retainers became masterless samurai (rnin). Forty-seven of them soon started to plan revenge against Kira Yoshinaka and one night in the twelve month of 1702 they attacked his mansion, engaged a battle inside the garden and adjacent buildings. Finally they captured and killed their enemy cutting off his head. At dawn the rnin reached the Sengakuji temple and laid the severed head on the grave of their master. As their revenge was accomplished the rnin were condemned to death by the Shogun but allowed to perform seppuku. They were buried around the grave of their master.

The story was soon adapted for dramatic performance by Chikamatsu Monzaemon and in 1748 by Takeda Izumo, whose version in eleven acts titled Kanadehon chshingura is the most frequently illustrated in ukiyo-e prints. The Forty-seven Rnin by Kuniyoshi and Yoshitoshi In this catalogue we present two series of prints of rnin by two artists, Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). In both series each print is numbered but in different order. Each character is shown in the two versions following the numbering of the Kuniyoshis series. The prints of Biographies of Loyal and Righteous Samurai (Seich gishi den) were designed by Kuniyoshi and published by Ebiya Rinnosuke in 184748. All the characters names in the prints are distorted from the historical names to conform with the censorships rules. The series is composed of forty-seven full figure portraits of rnin and four

additional characters: K no Moronao (historical name Kira Yoshinaka) (no. 38), Enya Hangan (Asano Naganori) (no. 39), Teraoka Heimon (Terasaka Kichiemon) (no. 18) and the servant Juzabur (no. 51). In addition to this series the catalogue includes a well known triptych of the rnin at the Ryogoku bridge. Kuniyoshi designed some twenty triptychs with episodes from the Chshingura and twelve series of rnin and related characters.

The series Historical Biographies of the Loyal retainers (Seich gishi meimei gaden) designed by Yoshitoshi was published by Maruya Jimpachi and is dated with the censors seal for the second month of 1869. Fifty prints were published including a plate of preface, forty-seven portraits of rnin and two prints for Asano Naganori and Kira Yoshinaka. For each print is given the bibliographic reference for Robinson 1982, Weinberg 2000 and Keyes 1983.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

The forty-seven rnin assembled at sunrise in the snow at the Ryogoku Bridge. An early triptych where Kuniyoshi used the western technique of chiaroscuro to enhance the effect of the clouds. Signed ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Published by Kagaya Kichiemon, ca. 1827. ban triptych, cm 38,6 x 79,4. Two other impressions are illustrated in Springfield 1968, no. 3 and in Christies 2007, no. 505. 1.800

1a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

boshi Yuranosuke Yoshio seated on a camp-stool holding a drum. Print no. 1. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 36,5 x 25,8 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.1. Weinberg I.1.

490

1b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

ishi Kuranosuke seated on a camp-stool about to hit the drum. Print no. 50. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 50

180

2a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

boshi Rikiya Yoshikane seated, a helmet hanging from his spear. Print no. 2. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.2. Weinberg I.2.

490

2b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

ishi Chikara rushing in attack while a naginata is thrown at him. Print no. 5. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 5.

180

3a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yat Yomoshici Norikane drinking from a cup while holding his spear. Print no. 3. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.3. Weinberg I.3.

490

3b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Yazu Uemonshichi striking a painted scroll with his katana. Print no. 27. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 27

180

4a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Fuwa Katsuemon Masatane inspecting the blade of his sword. Print no. 4. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.4. Weinberg I.4.

490

4b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Fuwa Katsuemon looking down at a dead enemy, a bloostained katana in his hand. Print no. 17. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 17

180

5a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Shikamatsu Kanroku Yukishige standing with his spear, wringing out his clothes. Print no. 5. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.5. Weinberg I.5.

490

5b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Chikamatsu Kanroku standing with his spear. Print no. 6. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 6.

180

6a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yoshida Sadaemon Kanesada cutting arrows in flight. Print no. 6. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.6. Weinberg I.6.

550

6b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Yoshida Sawaemon falling sidewards, a drape around him. Print no. 36. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 36.

180

7a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Sakagaki Genz Masakata resting on a broken stone pillar while holding his spear. Print no. 7. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.7. Weinberg I.7.

490

7b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Akagaki Genz seated with a sake cup in hand. Print no. 45. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 45

180

8a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yukukawa Sampei Munenori fending off a lamp with his katana. Print no. 8. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.8. Weinberg I.8.

550

8b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Yokogawa Kampei coming out from behind a decorated curtain. Print no. 30. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 30.

180

9a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Onodera Jnai Hidetomo shading his eyes while leaning on one knee. Print no. 9. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.9. Weinberg I.9.

550

9b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Onodera Jnai behind a painted screen while holding his naginata. Print no. 8. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 8.

180

10a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Isoai Jroemon Masahisa brandishing his naginata. Print no. 10. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.10. Weinberg I.10.

490

10b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Isogai Jrzaemon tying his helmet. Print no. 39. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 39.

180

11a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Okano Ginemon Kanehide holding a lantern in one hand and his sword in the other. Print no. 11. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.11. Weinberg I.11.

490

11b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Okano Kinemon strangling an enemy with bare hands. Print no. 43. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 43.

180

12a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Senzaki Yagor Noriyasu running with his spear. Print no. 12. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.12. Weinberg I.12.

550

12b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Kanzaki Yogor by a painted tsuitate, his katana above his head. Print no. 11. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 11.

180

13a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yazama Jjir Moto-oki blowing a whistle while holding his katana. Print no. 13. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.13. Weinberg I.13.

550

13b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Hazama Jjir seated with a tant in front of him. Print no. 32. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 32.

180

14a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

taka Gengo Tadao fighting with his spear. Print no. 14. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.14. Weinberg I.14.

590

14b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

taka Gengo drinking from a dipper. Print no. 18. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 18.

180

15a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Kataoka Dengoemon Takafusa with a bloodstained spear. Print no. 15. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.15. Weinberg I.15.

450

15b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Kataoka Gengoemon holding his spear, a basket on the ground. Print no. 47. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 47.

180

16a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Nakamura Kansuke Tadatoki sidestepping while firewood bundles are thrown at him. Print no. 16. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.16. Weinberg I.16.

590

16b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Nakamura Kansuke in the snow, shooting an arrow from behind a tree. Print no. 35. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 35.

180

17a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Okashima Yasemon Tsunetatsu shielding himself with a brazier cover. Print no. 17. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.17. Weinberg I.17.

490

17b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Okajima Yasoemon holding his spear with a severed head. Print no. 31. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 31.

180

18a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Teraoka Heiemon Nobuyuki pouring water on a burning brazier. Print no. 18. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.18. Weinberg I.18.

550

18b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Terasaka Kichiemon lifting a candle holder above his head. Print no. 28. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 28.

180

19a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Uramatsu Handay Takanao falling backwards into the snow. Print no. 19. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.19. Weinberg I.19.

590

19b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Muramatsu Sanday in the snow, unsheathing his katana. Print no. 19. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 19.

180

20a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Tokuda Sadaemon Yukitaka wearing a straw rain cloak and hat. Print no. 20. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.20. Weinberg I.20.

590

20b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Okuda Sadaemon stepping over a dead enemy. Print no. 26. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 26.

180

21a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Oribe Yahei Kanamaru holding a spear and a banner inscribed with his and his clan's name. Print no. 21. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.21. Weinberg I.21.

400

21b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Horibe Yahei by a broken flower vase, wiping the blade of his katana. Print no. 48. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 48.

180

22a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Kiura Okaemon Sadayuki ready to strike with his sword. Print no. 22. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.22. Weinberg I.22.

550

22b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Kimura Okaemon holding the katana with both hands. Print no. 16. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 16.

180

23a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Katsuta Shinemon Taketaka lifts his lantern to find himself followed by a dog. Print no. 23. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.23. Weinberg I.23.

550

23b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Katsuta Shinzaemon holding a lamp and looking down to a cat. Print no. 37. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 37.

180

24a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Takebayashi Sadashichi Takashige tying his belt. Print no. 24. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.24. Weinberg I.24.

490

24b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Takebayashi Tadashichi tying his belt, his armour and weapons on the floor. Print no. 38. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 38.

180

25a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Kurahashi Zensuke Takeyuki sword in hand, holding a painted scroll. Print no. 25. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.25. Weinberg I.25.

550

25b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Kurahashi Densuke standing by a broken door. Print no. 20. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 20.

180

26a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Aihara Esuke Munefusa running over a screen while wielding a katana above his head. Print no. 26. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.26. Weinberg I.26.

550

26b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Maebara Isuke holding his katana, pieces of paper lingering in the air around him. Print no. 21. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 21.

180

27a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Tomimori Suke-emon Masakata fencing off a burning brazier. Print no. 27. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.27. Weinberg I.27.

650

27b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Tomimori Sukeemon fencing off a bronze brazier. Print no. 40. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 40.

180

28a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Ushioda Masanoj Takanori tying the cuff of his garnment. Print no. 28. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.28. Weinberg I.28.

550

28b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Shiota Matanoj with his spear stepping over a tray with cups. Print no. 34. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 34.

180

29a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Hayami Szaemon Mitsutaka drinking from a kettle. Print no. 29. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.29. Weinberg I.29.

500

29b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Hayami Tzaemon warding off coal bundles flying at him. Print no. 9. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 9.

180

30a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Onodera Temon Hidetome using an overturned go board to tie his sandal. Print no. 30. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.30. Weinberg I.30.

550

30b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Onodera Kemon holding his spear in the snow. Print no. 25. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 25.

180

31a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Chiba Saburhei Mitsutada standing with his spear in hand. Print no. 31. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.31. Weinberg I.31.

450

31b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Semba Saburobei holding a lamp. Print no. 10. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 10.

180

32a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

boshi Seizaemon Nobukiyo running brandishing his sword. Print no. 32. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.32. Weinberg I.32.

590

32b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

ishi Sezaemon fencing off an armour wooden box. Print no. 42. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 42.

180

33a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Sugenoya Sannoj Masatoshi entangled in the ribbons of a kusudama. Print no. 33. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.33. Weinberg I.33.

590

33b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Sugaya Hannoj holding the head of an enemy. Print no. 12. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 12.

180

34a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Oribe Yasubei Taketsune holding Moronao's robe. Print no. 34. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.34. Weinberg I.34.

590

34b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Horibe Yasubei running over a broken screen. Print no. 44. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 44.

180

35a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Hayano Wasuke Tsunenari piercing a black chest with his spear. Print no. 35. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.35. Weinberg I.35.

490

35b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Kayano Wasuke in the snow, holding the katana between his teeth. Print no. 24. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 24.

180

36a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yata Goremon Suketake running wild among shreds of a shji and flowers. Print no. 36. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.36. Weinberg I.36.

550

36b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Yata Goremon warming up by a fireplace. Print no. 33. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 33.

180

37a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Tokuda Magoday Shigemori holding up his katana beside a painted tsuitate. Print no. 37. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.37. Weinberg I.37.

550

37b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Okuda Magoday holding the katana with both hands above his head. Print no. 41. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 41.

180

38a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Kno Musashi no Kami Moronao cringing in terror. Print no. 38. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.38. Weinberg I.38.

400

38b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Kira Kzuke no Suke standing dressed in court robes. Print no. 2. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 2.

180

39a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Enya Hangan Takasada in a threatening posture. Print no. 39. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.39. Weinberg I.39.

400

39b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Asano Takumi no Kami in a threatening posture. Print no. 3. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 3.

180

40a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yazama Shinroku Mitsukaze brandishing a sword, a flag inscribed with his posthoumous name. Print no. 40. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.40. Weinberg I.40.

590

40b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Hazama Shinroku washing a severed head. Print no. 13. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 13.

180

41a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Mase Magoshir Masatatsu smashing a jar with his club. Print no. 41. Censors seals Hama and Kinugasa. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.41. Weinberg I.41.

650

41b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Manase Magokur smashing a jar with his club. Print no. 14. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 14.

180

42a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Uramatsu Kihei Hidenao Nyd coming out from behind a kimono rack. Print no. 42. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.42. Weinberg I.42.

550

42b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Muramatsu Kihei holding a brush and a log. Print no. 15. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 15.

180

43a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yazama Kihei Mitsunobu dressed with an Ainu overcoat, holding a naginata with a cape hanging from its end. Print no. 43. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.43. Weinberg I.43.

450

43b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Hazama Kihei wielding his katana with both hands. Print no. 46. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 46.

180

44a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Mase Chday Masa-aki in front position aiming his arrow. Print no. 44. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.44. Weinberg I.44.

700

44b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Manase Kyday on his right knee resting on his katana. Print no. 7. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 7.

180

45a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Sumino Chheiji Tsugifusa searching Moronao's bed. Print no. 45. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.45. Weinberg I.45.

550

45b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Sugino Juheiji holding a dipper and a bucket. Print no. 23. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 23.

180

46a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Hara Gemon Mototoki wielding a sword and a spear. Print no. 46. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.46. Weinberg I.46.

590

46b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Hara Semon looking far away. Print no. 49. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 49.

180

47. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

The ghost of Hayano Kampei Tsuneyo as he points his spear. Print no. 47. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.47. Weinberg I.47.

700

48a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Kaida Yadaemon Tomonobu shielding himself behind a koto covered with cloth. Print no. 48. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.48. Weinberg I.48.

550

48b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Kaiga Yazaemon climbing a wooden frame. Print no. 22. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 22. 180

49a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Miura Jiremon Kanetsune stumbling backwards on a fireplace. Print no. 49. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.49. Weinberg I.49.

650

49b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Mitsumura Jiremon fencing off arrows with his naginata. Print no. 29. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 29.

180

50a. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Yoshida Chzaemon Kanesuke seated on a stool pointing ahead with a fan. Print no. 50. Censors seals Muramatsu and Yoshimura. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.50. Weinberg I.50.

450

50b. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Yoshida Chzaemon seated on a stool holding a spear on his shoulder. Print no. 4. aratame date seal. II/1869. Chban, 25,5 x 18 cm.
Ref: Keyes 255, no. 4.

180

51. Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Jinzabur, Shikamatsu Kanrokus servant offering a hamper of food. Print no. 51. Censors seals Mera and Murata. 1847-48. ban, 37 x 25,3 cm.
Ref: Robinson S54.51. Weinberg I.51.

550

Selected Bibliography in English

Kuniyoshi
Robinson 1961: Springfield 1968: Springfield 1980: Basil W. Robinson. Kuniyoshi. London, 1961. The raymond a. Bidwell Collection of Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi 1798 [sic.] -1861. Springfield, 1968, (catalogue by Merlin C. Dailey). Utagawa Kuniyoshi. an exhibition of the Work of Utagawa Kuniyoshi based on the raymond a. Bidwell Collection of Japanese Prints at the Springfield Museum of Fine arts. Springfield, 1980, (catalogue by Merlin C. Dailey). Basil W. Robinson. Kuniyoshi The Warrior-prints. Oxford, 1982. Robert Schaap et al. Heroes & Ghosts Japanese prints by Kuniyoshi 1797-1861. Leiden, 1998. David R. Weinberg. Kuniyoshi. The faithful samurai. Amsterdam, 2000. Christies. The Dynamic World of Utagawa Kuniyoshi The B.W.robinson Collection. London, 2007, (auction catalogue). Hendrick Lhl. Four variations of boshi rikiya Yoshikane in Kuniyoshis series Seich gishi den in andon, no.83. Leiden, 2008. Timoty Clark. Kuniyoshi from the arthur r. Miller Collection. London, 2009. http://www.kuniyoshiproject.com

Robinson 1982: Schaap et al. 1998: Weinberg 2000: Christies 2007: Lhl 2008: Clark 2009: Web resources:

Yoshitoshi
Keyes & Kuwayama 1980: Shogun Gallery 1981: Keyes 1983: Segi 1985: Schaap and van den Ing 1992: Uhlenbeck & Newland 2011: Web resources: Roger Keyes & George Kuwayama. The bizarre imagery of Yoshitoshi: the Herbert r. Cole collection. Los Angeles, 1980. Shogun Gallery (ed.). Divine dementia: the woodblock prints of Yoshitoshi. Washington D.C, 1981. Roger S. Keyes. Courage and Silence: a Study of the Life and Color Woodblock Prints of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi: 1839-1892. Ann Arbor, 1983 Shinichi Segi. Yoshitoshi: The Splendid Decadent. Tokyo & New York, 1985. Robert Schaap , Eric van den Ing. Beauty and Violence: Japanese Prints by Yoshitoshi 1839-1892. Leiden, 1992. Chris Uhlenbeck & Amy Newland.Yoshitoshi Masterpieces from the ed Freis collection. Leiden & Boston, 2011. http://www.yoshitoshi.net

acknowledgements: Many thanks for their help to Giglia Bragagnini and Mattia Biadene

Lella & Gianni Morra 2012