Kuniyoshi 国芳: Evening Glow at Uji Bridge 宇治橋夕照 (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) 国芳
Title: Evening Glow at Uji Bridge 宇治橋夕照

Series: 燿武八景　Eight Views of Military Brilliance (Yobu hakkei)
Date:  1836
Size: oban (37.3 x 25.3 cm)

Ichirai-hôshi (一来法師) standing on the shoulders of Tsutsui Jômyô (筒井浄明). They are standing atop an unfinished (or destroyed) bridge, and Ichirai-hoshi must be using his high vantage point to  scout the enemy movements. The large man beneath him is also signaling warriors with his fan, as arrows fly around them. The geometric and sharp-edged rays of the rising (or setting) behind the mountain is especially unusual. 

The theme of “Eight Views” has its roots in 11th century China; the Japanese adopted the theme to use it as a basis for their own eight views of their favorite places. The same eight views–autumn moon, lingering snow, evening glow, vesper bells, returning boats, clearing weather, night rain and homing geese–are compared with Japanese heroes in this inventive and early series of prints.

Kuniyoshi designed a series with the same title, but employing a different title cartouche, about a dozen years after this one. 

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Some minor stains and wrinkles.

Publisher:  Tsuruya Kiemon (Senkakudô)

Signature: Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga
Literature: See the MFA. Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts, Ukiyo-e dai musha-e ten/The Samurai World in Ukiyo-e (2003), #I-167; Suzuki 1992, #108; Robinson, Kuniyoshi: The Warrior-Prints (1982), list #S8.3

SKU: KUY619