Hanga
From the 47 Ronin by Kawanabe Kyosai — Japanese Woodblock print

From the 47 Ronin

by Kawanabe Kyosai

Medium:
Woodblock print
Image courtesy of
Robyn Buntin of Honolulu

Description

A print from Kyosai's Chûshingura series depicting an episode from the Akô vendetta narrative. The story's dramatic arc — from Lord Asano's fatal sword attack on Kira in Edo Castle to the ronin's coordinated night raid and ritual seppuku — provided print designers with a full range of compositional types: ceremonial interiors, snow-covered nighttime combat, and moments of warrior resolution. This print, one of a numbered sequence, likely focuses on a specific named scene. Kyosai's renderings of armored figures and combat benefited from his early exposure to Kuniyoshi's dynamic musha-e compositions, while his mature style brought a more painterly approach to spatial arrangement and atmospheric rendering.

More Prints by Kawanabe Kyosai

Frequently Asked Questions

From the 47 Ronin was created by Kawanabe Kyosai (河鍋暁斎).