Kuniyoshi: The Faithful Samurai

by David R. Weinberg

" The Faithful Samurai" is a pioneering publication dealing with the famous Kuniyoshi series of the 47 masterless samurai ("rônin"). It contains two complete "Seichô gishi den" ("The faithful samurai, 1847-48") and its sequel "Seichô gishin den", ("The faithful hearts, 1848"). This true nineteenth-century tale of 47 "rônin" avenging the death of their lord is enormously popular in Japan. The dramatized version, commonly known as "Chûshingura", ("Treasury of loyal retainers"), has endured for over 250 years as one of Japan's most popular Kabuki plays. Its heroes were often depicted in Ukiyo-e prints. Kuniyoshi was a master in the genre of warrior prints, and his series expressively portrays these warrior 'folk heroes'. This publication also includes translations of the texts recounting each hero's exploits that appear on the prints.

Genres: Japan, Art

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[alex k]

My favourite book covering Kuniyoshi’s vision of the faithful samurai. The reproduction of each print is true to original size and of great quality especially in comparison to other books on the same prints. If that wasn’t enough this is the only English book on the topic I could find that offers translations of the text on each of the 47+ prints along with additional information on the men featured in each image. The introduction includes photos of the castle’s actual location and a few other artist’s interpretations of the battle. It’s one of my treasured books.