Lu Zhishen (Japanese: Kaosho Rochishin, born Lu Da), the "Flowery Monk," was a former military commander who became a Buddhist monk after a violent incident, then repeatedly violated his vows while remaining spiritually pure at heart. This oban from c. 1827 depicts him with his characteristic weapon — a massive iron staff — and the visible contradiction of Buddhist monkhood and warrior violence that made him one of the novel's most beloved characters. His back tattoos, exposed through torn robes, became one of Kuniyoshi's most celebrated design challenges.
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.
Lu Zhishen, Originally Named Lu Da (Kaosho Rochishin shomei Rotatsu), 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.
Yes — Lu Zhishen, Originally Named Lu Da (Kaosho Rochishin shomei Rotatsu), 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 13 of 108) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
Lu Zhishen, Originally Named Lu Da (Kaosho Rochishin shomei Rotatsu), 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).