「元〔禄日本〕錦」 「け」「倉橋伝助武幸」「や」「岡島八十右エ門常樹」

This print belongs to the series 「元禄日本錦」 (Genroku Nihon Nishiki, 'Genroku Japan Brocade'), a suite of portraits depicting the forty-seven loyal retainers of Asano Naganori — the famous Ako ronin who carried out their vendetta against Kira Yoshinaka in 1703, during the Genroku era. The sheet includes two figures identified by their iroha syllable designations (「け」and「や」) alongside their full names: Kurahashi Densuke Takeyuki and Okajima Yasouemon Tsuneki. Portrait series of the forty-seven ronin were a staple of Ukiyo-e printmaking throughout the Edo period, drawing on the enduring popularity of the Chushingura narrative in kabuki and popular literature. Kyosai's treatment would bring his expressive figural characterisation to these celebrated historical subjects, presenting them in the armour, formal dress, or action poses associated with their roles in the vendetta.