Kuniyoshi 国芳: Masashige Presents a sword to Sugimoto Akiyuki, His Men Overcome with Emotion (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi 国芳 (1798-1861)
Title: In the Kusunoki Camp, Sugimoto Akiyuki is Rewarded with an Inscribed Sword, 楠ノ陣中二杉本顕幸ヲ計テ銘剱ヲ得ノ図 Kusunoki no jinchû ni Sugimoto Akiyuki o hakatte meiken o eru no zu 
Date: 1843

Sugimoto Akiyuki, kneeling at left, receives a famous sword from a fierce samurai who is seated in the middle of a group of men, all of whom are either weeping or struggling to hold back their tears. Kusunoki Masashige himself seems to be the leader seated on the bearskin at upper right, his arm resting on a stool and his sword placed on an elaborate stand behind him. He has directed a senior figure to actually present the sword on his behalf; this man with a fierce mien grimaces and clenches his fists to hold back his emotions.  The warrior at lower right can even be seen gathering a tissue from a roll as he turns his back to the assembly to hide his emotions.  Sugimoto himself is opanly weeping, covering his eyes with a cloth and turning away. There seems to be a celebration underway, as there are several elaborate containers holding various selections of enticing dishes. 

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Creases near margins and a few minor stains. 
Dimensions: ôban triptych (36 x 75 cm)
Publisher: Yamamoto-ya Heikichi
Literature: Robinson T352. See MFA Boston Museum collection.
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga with his paulownia seal

SKU: KUY609