This February 1880 print depicts Abe no Hirafu, a seventh-century Japanese general celebrated for leading naval expeditions to northern Japan and the Korean peninsula. As a historical subject from the distant Asuka period, Hirafu was a somewhat unusual choice compared to the more popular Sengoku and Edo-era warriors, suggesting Yoshitoshi's broad engagement with Japanese military history across all periods. The print belongs to his output for illustrated newspapers and periodicals that characterized his work during the 1870s and early 1880s.



1888
Color woodblock print; oban

n.d.
Color woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Abe Hirafu was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in February 1880.
Abe Hirafu depicts figures, seascapes, and warriors.
Abe Hirafu measures 35.2 × 23.5 cm (Oban format).