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)"
- Series:
- One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden (print 13 of 108)
- Date:
- c. 1827
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print; oban
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Art Institute of Chicago
Description
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.
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)"
More Heroes & Warriors Prints
Saishin, from the series "Fashionable Women as the One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Water Margin (Fuzoku onna Suikoden, ippyakuhachinin no uchi)"
c. 1828/30
Color woodblock print; surimono
Oteiroku, from the series "Fashionable Women as the One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Water Margin (Fuzoku onna Suikoden, ippyakuhachinin no uchi)"
c. 1828/30
Color woodblock print; surimono
Rua Xiaoqi (Katsuenra Genshoshichi), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
c. 1827/30
Color woodblock print; oban
Yang Zhi (Seimenju Yoshi), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
c. 1827/30
Color woodblock print; oban
Featured in Collections
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
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).