Iwami Jūtarō Kanesuke was a legendary outlaw hero of early Edo fiction, celebrated for his defiance of authority and his chivalrous protection of the weak—a figure in the tradition of Japanese bandit-heroes analogous to Robin Hood. This 1865 print depicts him in a moment of violent confrontation rendered with the broad strokes and saturated colors characteristic of Yoshitoshi's early [musha-e](/glossary/musha-e) style. The outlaw hero genre remained popular throughout the Meiji period as a vehicle for exploring attitudes toward authority and social justice.
1888
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Color woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Iwami Jūtarō Kanesuke was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in 1865, 6th lunar month.
Iwami Jūtarō Kanesuke depicts figures, warriors, and portraits.
Iwami Jūtarō Kanesuke measures 37.5 × 25.4 cm (Oban format).
