「教導立志基」 「二」「上毛野形名」

This print from Kiyochika's didactic series Kyōdō Risshi no Motoi (Foundation for Moral Aspiration), published circa 1876–1882, depicts Kamitsukeno Katana, a warrior of the early Nara period celebrated for his steadfast loyalty. The series was conceived as an illustrated moral primer for Meiji-era youth, presenting exemplary figures from Japanese history. Katana is associated with a legendary episode of martial fidelity in which he refused to abandon his lord in battle. Kiyochika renders the figure within his characteristic tonal range, likely employing flat areas of color offset by subtle gradation to define the warrior's form. The print's didactic caption situates the image within the numbered sequence that organized the series into accessible moral lessons.