Kuniyoshi's Biographies of the Loyal Retainers

[Robin]

I presume most seen at least some of the wonderful Kuniyoshi woodblock prints of the 47 Loyal Retainers.

Here you have them all together...

https://issuu.com/roningallerynyc/docs/47roninbook

 

I wasn't sure where to post this...hope this is the right place.

 

These prints are not only beautiful...they're also interesting for several reasons.

The "fashion" on the prints seems to be late Edo...when the prints were made. Around 1847. The striking bold white triangles remind me of the Shinsengumi.

Also noticeable...the very ornate and colourful koshirae.

 

Anyway...enjoy 

 

Robin

 

 

[TETSUGENDO]

Robin, always a nice set to revisit, I like the choice of a white background to put the composition in silhouette...it enhances the dynamic movement of the figures.

 

Cheers,

    -S-

[Bugyotsuji]

Lovely. 

 

As you can see the black-and-white triangle motif was used not only for their clothes (some kind of early 'camouflage for snowy conditions' I once heard!) but also for the frame margin of other print sets. I have a partially-complete set of these below but badly worm-eaten. I love    what the worms have kindly left. 

 

https://www.pictorem.com/24040/47%20Ronin%20-%20Kanadehon%20Chushingura%20Act.11.html

[Robin]

Dazzle painting! I'm a huge fan of it!

Highly debatable whether it was useful or not, but good for morale and it looks spectacular.