Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) Title: Tanmei Jiro Gen Shogo Tattooed Warrior Size: Oban (10.5 x 14.5in) Paper Type: Rice Paper Washie Medium: Woodblock Showa era printing from re-carved blocks Province: Japan Format: Vertical Special Notes: The series “One of the 108 Heroes of the popular Water Margin” is based on the Chinese tale “Water Margin,” which was tremendously popular in Kuniyoshi’s time. The hit series of prints depicting warriors catapulted Kuniyoshi into fame and was published over a decade. The warrior featured in this piece is Gen Shogo, who has a tattoo of a leopard. He is the second son of a fisherman and a great swimmer.

The print itself is in excellent condition very good color impression and has never been framed.