Cao Zheng (Japanese: Sotoki Sosei), the "Capable Cao," was a former prison guard among the Water Margin heroes, known for practical skills. This oban from the Suikoden series (c. 1827-30) is documented as a keyblock proof impression with light color — an intermediate printing state that reveals the master block's composition before the full color run. Such proofs are rare surviving documents of the printmaking process, offering insight into how Kuniyoshi and his blockcutters worked before the final polychrome impression.
c. 1828/30
Color woodblock print; surimono
c. 1828/30
Color woodblock print; surimono
c. 1827/30
Color woodblock print; oban
c. 1827/30
Color woodblock print; oban
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Cao Zheng (Sotoki Sosei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)" was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) in c. 1827/30.
Yes — Cao Zheng (Sotoki Sosei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)" is part of the One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden series (print 81 of 108) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
Cao Zheng (Sotoki Sosei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)" depicts heroes & warriors, warriors, and suikoden (water margin).