Kotenrai Ryoshin
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Art of Japan
Description
Kotenrai Ryoshin is likely a figure from the Water Margin tradition or a related series of Chinese heroes — the name suggests a character associated with supernatural speed or elemental power. Kuniyoshi's warrior portraits within this repertoire typically encode the hero's specific attributes through weapon, costume, and the dynamic implied by his stance. Even without confirmed series identification, the print participates in Kuniyoshi's systematic exploration of the heroic figure type across multiple narrative traditions.
More Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Woman as the Hero Taisō in Palanquin Holding a Pipe
c. 1830
Woodblock print (surimono), ink and color on paper
Yan Qing (Roshi Ensei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
Poem by Abe no Nakamaro, from an untitled series of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets
Hu Sanniang (Ko Sanjo Ichijosei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
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Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kotenrai Ryoshin was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳).
Kotenrai Ryoshin depicts figures, mythology, and warriors.